• Albanian government launch ‘Branding Albania’ competition to promote country as a top tourist destination
• StrawberryFrog announced as winning agency with their ‘Go Your Own Way’ campaign
• Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa destination of choice, working hard to dispel myths surrounding Albania and host top journalists

For many decades, Albania was not considered a tourist destination. Although situated just 45 miles from the eternally-popular coast of Italy, this South-Eastern European country was considered a world away. With a recent history peppered with the restrictions that come from living under communist rule, travel to Albania has been limited in recent years and its shores have remained largely undiscovered by the wider world.

General opinion of the country wasn’t high: it was a world of unknown, looked upon somewhat negatively and not considered a to-visit destination. Yet it is clear that this tide is now turning.

In April this year, the Albanian government launched ‘Branding Albania’, a national competition that would see organisations competing to come up with a winning logo, slogan and, importantly, a strategy for the future, to promote the country to a wider audience and place it firmly and confidently on a worldwide stage,

“This is a project that will change the image of our country in a radical way, in a way that will reflect the energy and vitality of our people, the great potential our country has to develop, Albanians’ hospitality, our rich culture and extraordinary historical heritage, our amazing places and landscapes… Our intent is to launch a new image of Albania and its touristic potential: Albania as a gateway for foreign investments in the Balkans, Albania as a factor of stability, security and peace in the region, Albania as a European country.”

This positive move by the country’s leadership for “Next Generation Albania” showed recognition of the untapped potential and the importance of tourism to Albania’s future, a bold move that received a great response. Eventual winners of the competition were StrawberryFrog, becoming Albania’s newly appointed global creative agency, tasked with the job of building the brand.

Scott Goodson, Founder of StrawberryFrog, expresses their delight at being chosen,

“We are excited to be working with the government and people of Albania to help build its brand and in the process propel it to the forefront destination among the world’s travellers and those seeking the world’s most extraordinary, most pristine, most authentic European destinations. There is nothing else like Albania. As one of the world’s most respected agencies, we are in the process of finalizing a disruptive strategy and brilliant creative work that will help Albania be recognized for all the wonderful and inspiring experiences.”

As StrawberryFrog have expressed, there is a large amount of untapped potential within Albania’s previously-veiled treasures, and from a rich history to unspoilt beaches to expansive mountains, Albania’s untamed beauty is beginning to turn heads.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, agrees,

“Albania truly deserves the title of ‘the hidden gem of the Adriatic’, with so much to offer visitors and investors alike. However the rebranding of the country by StrawberryFrog marks an exciting time in developing the country’s currently greatly untapped potential and the agency’s winning slogan of ‘Go Your Own Way’ encapsulates the concept of the many and varied reasons people will fall in love with Albania if they visit. As part of the movement to overthrow common misconceptions about modern day Albania, through developing the country’s first high-end resort, I am proud to say that the future is certainly bright for this beautiful country.”

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa has actively worked over recent years to dispel the myths surrounding Albania and open the eyes of the wider world to the country’s bounteous charms. Hosting national and international journalists, inviting them to see ‘behind the iron curtain’ and featuring in a wide variety of media, the development has made considerable progress.

Helped by the recent announcement that Albania has been granted EU candidacy, following their original request to join the European Union in 2009, interest is today being piqued in holiday homes and investment properties in the country, with the 5 star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa being top of the wishlist.

Situated just 30 minutes from Tirana’s airport on a beautiful sandy beach, Lalzit Bay offers a range of 1 or 2 bedroom apartments and 3 or 4 bedroom villas with private pools, inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Properties are built at low density and to the highest of standards, and all have access to first-class facilities, including a beach club, range of top restaurants and bars, tennis courts and boutique shops.

Prices range from €35,000 to €360,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

• Adria Airways to launch routes connecting Tirana, Albania with Paris and Brussels
• Slovenian-Albanian relations strengthen with meeting between country ministers
• Albanian Visitor Exports up 6.4% in 2014, heralding tourism growth (World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2014’ report)

Increasing numbers of visitors are likely to be setting their sights on the hidden gem of Albania from next year following the announcement that accessibility will be further improved from key European destinations.

Slovenian national carrier, Adria Airways, recently announced plans to expand its flight plan with the addition of new routes from 2015 that will connect the capital of Tirana with the popular, and populous, north European capital cities of Paris and Brussels.

The announcement comes as part of the company’s wider strategy to continue the expansion of routes to and from the Albanian destination that is increasingly becoming top of many to-visit lists. This spring already saw Adria Airways launching direct flights linking Tirana with Frankfurt, making the very most of its relatively recent launch of a base in the Albanian capital.

And this is not the only way in which Slovenia-Albania relations are looking to strengthen in the near future. Just this month Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, met with Karl Erjavec, his Slovenian equivalent, to discuss ways to develop economic cooperation between the two European countries. As part of the visit Erjavec was heard to express that the relationship between the two countries was flourishing, also backing Albania’s EU accession plans.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, reiterates this view,

“Albania has worked really hard as a nation to meet the conditions for accession into the EU and it is hoped to be firmly on the cards for this wonderful Balkan nation, especially following the news of EU candidacy having been confirmed. Becoming part of the EU will not only help with the country’s economy as a whole, it is sure to also draw more and more people to Albania’s sun-drenched shores to discover the wealth of natural treasures the country has to offer: from unspoilt beaches with golden sands and azure waters, to breathtaking mountain ranges and a fascinating history just waiting to be discovered, there is something for every visitor.”

It certainly seems that increasing numbers are visiting the picturesque country that sits just 45 miles across the waters from Italian shores. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2014’ report for Albania showed that spending within the country by international tourists (known as Visitor Exports) is forecast to grow by 6.3% in 2014, showing that tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector within the country.

This positivity is not set to be a flash in the pan either with the report also predicting growth in Visitor Exports of 5.6% annually until 2024, heralding a prosperous future for Albania, one which many are beginning to realise they too can take their part in. Investing in property in the country is a key way that is allowing people to make the most of the climate of growth, whilst also taking advantage of the beauty of Albania for themselves.

The luxurious Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort just 30 minutes from Tirana’s airport, capitalising on the growing connecting routes, and offering the spectacular combination of a stunning location and first-class facilities. Situated on a beautiful sanded beach, properties are built at low density and to the highest of standards, with access to a beach club, range of top restaurants and bars, tennis courts and boutique shops.

Ranging from 1 or 2 bedroom apartments to 3 or 4 bedroom villas with private pools, properties are inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Prices range from £35,000 to £290,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Today it was announced by the European Union that Albania has been granted EU candidacy, an extremely positive sign for the future of this south-eastern European country.

Announced on Twitter by EU Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Fuele, following a meeting in Luxembourg, the newly appointed status sets Albania on the road to full EU membership in the coming years. The announcement also recognises the hard work put in by the Albanian government, newly elected in September, to reach this point, as recognised by Fuele,

“Albania congratulations on candidate status just agreed by Ministers: acknowledgement of reform efforts, encouragement for more.”

Such efforts continue to establish the country as a major player in the region, in line with its Balkan brothers of Croatia and Bulgaria who have already been granted EU membership, and along with Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia who have also been granted candidacy.

Providing a sense of reassurance that Albania will continue to surge forward in terms of its economy, political stability and fight against crime and corruption, today’s announcement is good news for residents and tourists alike.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa explains,

“What fantastic news that Albania has today been officially recognised as a candidate for the EU! It does, however, come as no surprise to me as there have been prodigious efforts made in recent times to achieve this longed-for goal, with the country making great leaps forward.

“This announcement will certainly pave the way for a bright future for beautiful Albania, bringing much-deserved recognition within the wider European community and encouraging more people to discover all that this hidden gem has to offer.”

2014 was already predicted to see an increase of 5.5% in the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Albania’s GDP (according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact’ report for the country) and the news of candidacy to the European Union can only add to this growth further still. This, in turn, heralds an optimistic future for the Balkan country, of prosperity and popularity, as a to-visit destination.

The reassurance that today’s announcement gives will also inspire erudite buyers to see that now is the time to invest in Albania’s property market. The luxurious Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa offers a stand-out Albanian property option, with 5-star facilities and homes built by award-winning architects, whilst also keeping in line with Albania’s affordability.

A range of 1 or 2 bedroom apartments and 3 or 4 bedroom villas with private pools are available, with properties inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Prices range from £35,000 to £290,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

• The Balkans tipped to be a hot market for property investment in 2014 (Savills Prime Residential Retreats report)
• Typical 4 bedroom property in Croatia is €750,000 (Savills)
• Whilst 4 bedroom luxury Villa Sophia in neighbour Albania is available for third of the price, €232,600

In recent years the Balkans, an expansive region of South-eastern Europe, has become a firm favourite for those looking for a wise investment opportunity, with property affordable, climate favourable and scenery breathtakingly beautiful.

Yet it is no secret that the crisis in the Eurozone hit the Balkans hard, with Croatia one country affected by the decline of the Euro. However with the dawn of 2014, the market has begun to show important signs of improvement. The Prime Residential Retreats report by Savills has shown that property prices in the country have shown stability in the previous year, with a 1% rise in the value of coastal apartments being recorded in January 2014 when compared to figures of 2013.

This growth registers positive reverberations in the region’s property markets, marking signs that the Balkans will be hot news in 2014. This positive outlook does not only cover the ‘traditional’ investment options of Croatia and Montenegro, for example, interested eyes are now beginning to look towards Balkan neighbour Albania too and resorts such as Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa.

Albania is an alternative option for those looking to invest in the Balkans and capitalise not only on the ongoing up-turn in the property market in the region but also to take advantage of the untamed beauty and stunning scenery of the surroundings for themselves.

With all the benefits that other Balkan countries such as Croatia have become synonymous with – historic charm, excellent year-round climate, easy access via short, regular, direct flights, and a low cost of living – yet at a fraction of the price, taking a step across the Albanian border when looking for a property can pay real dividends.

With the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, recently expressing his optimism in the country’s economy following on from positive statistics from The Bank of Albania, saying “it lays the basis for real change we expect in the future”, prospects looks bright for Albania’s property market.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania´s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa explains more,

“Albania is a truly enchanting country with much to offer tourists and investors alike: deserted beaches and wild mountains, vibrant cities, over 200 days of sunshine a year, and a low cost of living just a few of the country’s attributes.

“Somewhat untapped currently, yet growing in popularity for those looking to make a savvy investment, Albania’s property industry is certainly on the up. And with this wealth of appealing features, combined with EU accession on the cards for 2015, it is no surprise that Albania is looking increasingly attractive to potential investors. In fact 25% of all buyers in Lalzit Bay Resort are from the UK compared to just 15% a year ago, proving that Albania is becoming more and more attractive to UK investors.”

With property notably more affordable than nearby Croatia, where a typical 4-bed property is €750,000 (according to Savills World Research), unearthing a property gem is easy in Albania.

The 4-bed, 2-bathroom Villa Sophia at Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is priced at just €232,600 and offers spacious indoor and outdoor living, inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. With a sea view, private garden and parking, as well as the option of a private swimming pool, this family villa has much to offer.

As part of the 5 star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, where properties are designed by award-winning architects, the resort boasts ranging grounds where properties are built at low density. There are also a wide array of facilities available such as a beach club, tennis courts, boutique shops and a range of carefully selected restaurants and bars.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

• New British Airways summer schedule extends flights five times a week from Gatwick to Tirana
• Growing tourism figures push talks for another new Albanian airport (Albanian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure)
• Interest from international property investors and second home buyers steadily increasing (Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa)

Albania’s tourism market is set to fly high this year with the UK’s national flag carrier British Airways increasing the frequency of flights between London and the capital, Tirana.

The introduction of direct flights from Gatwick five times a week (up from the current thrice weekly flights) is thought to be due to an increase in passengers wanting to explore the increasingly popular Balkan country both for short-break holidays and as a second home location.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania’s leading Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa comments,

“The future is looking bright for Albania. With an increasing number of tourists visiting each year combined with the new BA flights, the country looks set to explode as a tourist destination. One of Albania’s biggest attractions – aside from its cultural and historical charms, balmy Mediterranean climate and stunning beaches – is definitely its rock-bottom cost of living.

“Added to that is an ever-improving infrastructure. Indeed, Albanian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Edmond Haxhinasto suggested recently that growing tourism figures are one of the key factors behind plans for a new airport. Tirana International Airport is currently Albania´s only international airport so it is important to construct another airport in the south of Albania in order to further realise tourism potential across the whole country.

“As an EU potential candidate country, Albania shows positive signs of following other Southern European countries such as Croatia and Montenegro in terms of their infrastructure and tourism development. And like their Balkan neighbours, interest from international second home buyers is also steadily increasing as people realise the superb buying opportunity in this hidden gem of a country.”

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, a beautiful 5* beachfront development just 30 minutes from Tirana’s airport, is fast becoming one of the most anticipiated resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as an attractive investment choice for British and European buyers.

From as little as €35,000 for a studio, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa provides holidaymakers with superb on-site facilities including a beach club, tennis courts and a wide choice of delicious international cuisines available in the resort’s numerous restaurants.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com 

• Thomson Cruises adds Durres port to its 2015 cruise destinations
• Albania home to top travel attraction (Outside Magazine Travel Awards 2014)
• 200 million euros to be spent in Albania throughout 2014 (Macedonia tour operators)

Thomson Cruises has announced it will be expanding its destinations for 2015 with 28 exciting new destinations, including the port of Durres in Albania. The leading cruise liner has announced that it will be offering a wider choice of destinations in some of the most up and coming European locations, as well as providing guests with the flexibility to cruise and stay away as part of their holiday, with more hotels introduced to the company’s collection.

But it’s not just cruise passengers who will want to investigate the wonders of the Balkans. Following double digit growth in traveller numbers last year and thanks to the Outside Magazine Travel Awards voting the mountainous, breath-taking Via Dinarica as the best new trail in 2014 for avid trekkers, an increasing number of holiday makers will be setting their sights on Albania this year.

The stunning, 600 mile stretch through the Dinaric Alps known as the White Trail, which stitches together old routes from Slovenia to Albania, boasts  8,000-foot stegosaurus spines, fairy-tale meadows and stone guesthouses. It is typical of the incredible and largely untapped natural beauty available in Albania.

Peter Walshe,Marketing Director for  Lalzit Bay Resort &Spa comments,

“Tourism is playing an ever more prominent role in the Albanian economy. Accounting for around 11% of the nation´s GDP in 2012, tourism brought in €1.2 billion in profit in 2011. With tourist numbers rising to more than 4 million last year, it is important that Albania establishes a long-term plan to capitalise on its growing popularity.

“Indeed the recently signed cooperation agreement between the Albanian and Macedonian national tourism agencies is a really positive step and just the kind of collaborative strategy that Albania needs to implement in order to boost visitor numbers in the future.”

Travellers from neighbouring Macedonia already frequently visit Albanian coastal areas such as Lalzit Bay for their summer holidays as around 30% of Macedonia’s population is ethnic Albanian with Macedonian tour operators predicting that their visitors will spend some €200 million while holidaying in Albania during 2014.

Part of the key to Albania’s charm for both Macedonians and many other nations alike is the relatively low cost of holidaying there. The country’s paradise-like beaches, many of which are still undiscovered by mass tourism, also play a key role in attracting those ‘in the know’ for their holidays.

Edi Rama, the Albanian Prime Minister, has singled out tourism as a sector in which investments are almost certainly guaranteed to be successful. He has also emphasised importance on fuelling growth in the energy sector, agriculture and Albania’s infrastructure. A 10 year plan, currently under development, will seek to knit together these various strands in order to produce a sustainable, long-term strategy for tourism in Albania. Mountain and beach tourism are expected to feature strongly in the plan.

The tourism accommodation sector is one in particular which has already seen increasing levels of foreign direct investment. High quality, luxury projects such as the 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa have been welcomed by the government as they are meeting the demand from both domestic and international holidaymakers and second property owners alike.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect investment opportunity for as little as €35,000, offering high-specification beachfront villas and apartments surrounded by superb on-site facilities. These include a beach club, tennis courts and a wide choice of gourmet restaurants offering international cuisines.

Lalzit Bay, currently under construction, is set to become one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as an attractive and attainable lifestyle and investment choice for those wanting a superior second home in the sun or a buy-to-let property abroad.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com .