Whilst rich in stunning natural landscapes, culture and heritage, years of living behind the Iron Curtain has resulted in Albania being one of Europe´s least affluent countries.
Sue Ryder Albania and Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa join forces to help fight the big ‘C’ in Albania
AlbaniaVisa-free travel for Russians and $200,000 citizenship offer set to boost Albania in 2013
AlbaniaOver the past decade, Albania has been one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe enjoying impressive average annual real growth rates of 6%. In 2008 the Balkan nation graduated from IDA, the World Bank’s concessional lending arm and now joins the ranks of the world’s upper-middle income countries deemed creditworthy for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
Wondering where to holiday in 2013? Why not try Top Beach Destination, Albania?
AlbaniaIn the heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is fast becoming one of the world´s most interesting getaways. Unspoiled by globalization, tourists can experience an inspiring mixture of civilizations and cultures – making this jewel of the Balkan truly unique.
Isolated for decades under a harsh dictatorship, Albania opened up in the 1990s and has since been hot on the heels of the rest of Europe.
Indeed, statistics from the Balkan state show that the number of foreign tourists to Albania has been steadily increasing since 2007, rising from just over 1 million six years ago to around 4 million in 2011.
Albania is being touted by mainstream publications as a major future destination: the UK’s Guardian newspaper has named Albania as one of its top 2013 beach destinations. The Sunday Times also listed Albania as a place to visit in its 2013 tourism New Year supplement, exclaiming ‘the Adriatic underdog is being touted as the next Croatia among adventurous beach-seekers.’
Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments:
“In terms of what Albania has to offer, I was not surprised by these recommendations from the UK national press. We have 350km of stunning sandy beaches, great Mediterranean cuisine, thousands of years of history and UNESCO sites of natural beauty. Albania has a tremendous amount to offer tourists wanting to take advantage of the weak euro to get great value in one of the few undiscovered places left in the Mediterranean.
“Both holiday makers and property buyers alike are looking for somewhere unique and different but distinctly Mediterranean. Lalzit Bay is a remarkable European buying opportunity because it is located on a beach just 30 minutes to the international airport and Capital Tirana and when you see the pristine beach, you realise that you´re seeing something really special.”
He adds,
“With occupancy rates increasing by 7.5% in early 2012 according to the European Travel Commission, property investors should look no further than the attractive emerging markets in Europe right now. Growth in recent years confirms that Albania is well on the path towards tourism being an active generator of its economic development throughout 2013 and beyond.”
Following the steady increase of tourists to the Balkans, the Director of the National Association of Tourist Agencies in Serbia (Juta) has recently announced that it will be joining forces with Albania, along with four other countries from the region, to form a Southeast Europe tourist association in order to attract visitors from the Far East.
For those thinking about investing in Albania, look no further than the stunning apartments and villas at Lalzit Bay Resort.
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is a 5 star, gated beach resort community giving international property buyers a very safe way to purchase a beach front rental property or holiday home in one of Europe´s hottest tourist destinations. Brand new luxury villas and apartments on Albania’s Adriatic are available for immediate purchase from just €35,000 including all costs!
For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com , like the dedicated facebook page or follow @LalzitBayResort on twitter.
From behind the iron curtain and now centre stage, Albania shows Europe how things should be done
AlbaniaDespite the general doom and gloom of the European economy, some countries have managed to buck the trend. Albania is a shining example. It is not in recession; Moody´s has confirmed its B1 rating and Standard and Poor´s has indicated that it expects Albania´s growth performance to continue to improve.
One to watch: Albania named as must-visit destination of 2013
AlbaniaAlbania, which this year celebrates its centenary of independence, has been named as a must-visit destination of 2013 with adventure holiday company ‘G Adventures’ adding the Balkan nation to next year’s brochure for the first time and top travel bloggers ranking the country one of the ‘Top 13 destinations for travel in 2013.’
Attracting over 4 million visitors last year and with arrivals up by 277,000 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, the outlook for Albania’s tourism market is positive with the little known Balkan nation emerging as a fashionable destination to explore in 2013.
Indeed Aldo Bumci, Minister of Tourism in Albania, is committed to developing this lucrative sector (which accounted for 11% of GDP in 2011) and is currently drawing up a national strategy for coordinating tourism activities over the next 10 years which aims to ensure the sustainable long-term development of tourism in the country.
Visitors to Albania in 2013 will also be able to benefit from recent foreign direct investment into the country. World Bank financing has helped repair and construct over 1,700 km of rural roads and 1,300 km of national roads which has considerably improved accessibility across the land as well as bringing about brought positive changes in access to health, postal and banking services for the local population.
As has been witnessed in many other European countries, in tandem with tourism growth comes development of the real estate market and Albania is no exception. Those operating within this emerging marketplace such as Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on the Adriatic coast, have seen an explosion of interest for new, western style quality properties in prime locations not least accelerated by the depreciation of the Euro which many developers sell properties.
Ravin Maharajah comments,
“The weakening of the Euro and general caution about investing within the Euro-zone has actually been advantageous for us. We have experienced an increase in UK and indeed Western European buyers wanting to take advantage of the amazing value properties at Lalzit Bay. Indeed Albania now being ranked by Forbes as one of the ‘Best Countries of Business’ has boosted buyer confidence further.”
For those wishing to snap up a bargain luxury property on Albania’s hotly tipped Adriatic coastline in 2013, why not take a look at Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa?
Only moments away from the beach, the stunning resort apartments and villas are designed to be the ultimate beach properties in Albania affording private swimming pools, landscaped gardens tennis courts and beach bars and restaurants. Apartments are priced from just €30,000 and luxury villas from €230,000 Deluxe apartments start at €80,000.
For more information on the Adriatic’s secret jewel please contact Lalzit Bay on +44(0)845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
The rising star of the Balkan, Albania celebrates anniversary of independence
AlbaniaAfter a recent increase in economic growth following a construction boom, November 28th 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of Independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.
In a speech to mark the centenary of independence, Albanian Prime Minister, Sali Berisha stated: “We have remained together through all circumstances. Deep in the hearts of Albanians there is the principle of “one nation, one stance”. Nothing can divide the spirit of a country”.
The celebration follows the ongoing bid for the rising Balkan tourist attraction to join the EU. Reaching EU candidate status would increase the economic benefits of Albania, making it attractive to property developers and resort owners alike.
Around 63 per cent of Albania’s foreign trade is currently carried out with EU countries. Obtaining EU status is expected to increase both the level of trade exchanges and the quality of Albanian products.
The European Commission recently announced that it will invest Eur81 million as the EU’s renewed financial support to Albania’s reform efforts.
Ravin Maharajah, Partner in Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa comments:
“As one of Europe’s most talked-about up and coming holiday destinations and investment territories, it is somehow appropriate that Albania is coming to prominence as the centenary of its independence approaches. This is a very important year for Albania."
Maharajah added,
“Indeed, Albania is a mysterious nation; where new tourism projects such as our 5-star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa and other major infrastructure improvements are transforming the country. Albania will have one of the most impressive road networks in the Balkans, building 2500km of new roads in the last 6 years enabling every community to have access to a national road within 15-25 minutes.”
For those thinking of investing in foreign property, Lalzit Bay Resort provides the perfect opportunity. A beach front position, and beautiful private landscaped gardens just moments from the beach, the 5* villas and apartments are designed to be the most coveted properties in Albania.
These stylish properties will include private swimming pools, a beach club, BBQ area, tennis courts and restaurants priced for as little as €38,000.
For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com
Construction well underway at Albania’s most anticipated beach resort
AlbaniaAlbania’s most anticipated 5* beach resort, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa is pleased to announce that phase 1 construction is well-underway with buildings A and B due to be finished in the coming months.
As well as this, the team is excited to announce the release of brand new deluxe apartments at the resort which will specifically cater to the needs of overseas property buyers and investors.
The new 1 and 2 bedroom deluxe apartments, situated in the spacious landscaped gardens of the resort are just moments from the stunning Lalzit Bay beach front. Offering a high build quality and plenty of private outdoor space to enjoy Albania’s 200+ days of annual sunshine, several of the deluxe apartments have double-aspect private gardens or large private terraces which enjoy sunshine throughout the day.
Ravin Maharajah, one of the British partners in Lalzit Bay Resort comments:
“Albania is just 2.5 hours from the (UK) and has a wonderful climate throughout the year. Having a quiet place to sit and relax or entertain friends is important to many of our international buyers. Our new deluxe apartments are ideal for family holidays, rental investments or retirement.
“Albania in the summer is an incredibly popular tourist destination and the indications for rental demand are extremely encouraging. A 2 bed property in the summer rents for around €450-500 per week offering a very competitive yield. As well as this, purchase costs, taxes and on-going maintenance are low, while build quality and capital growth potential is high – quite a nice mix to have.”
Whilst the Albanian currency is denominated in Lek, Lalzit Bay Resort lists properties in Euros helping many buyers from the UK or non-Euro countries snap up a bargain. Deluxe apartments start at just €80k which is now around £62k GBP.
Lalzit Bay Resort is a UK-financed and managed development company based in Tirana and London. Financed by CSS Europe LLP, Lalzit Bay is managed by a highly experienced team of UK business professionals where the buying process is overseen from the company’s office in London and contracts are in English and Albanian. Independent legal services are recommended to overseas buyers and have received praise from many Lalzit Bay customers for their transparency and efficiency.
Maharajah continues,
“The majority of our buyers come from outside of Albania which will give the resort an international feel. Buyers are looking for somewhere unique and different but distinctly Mediterranean. Lalzit Bay is a remarkable European buying opportunity because it is located on a stunning beach, just 30 minutes to the international airport and capital and when you see the beach – you realise that you are seeing something really special.”
Lalzit Bay Resort has sold over 80% of their phase 1 apartments since releasing last year. Deluxe apartments have already been released, offering buyers a 10% pre-release discount. For more information please call Peter Walshe on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
A country of contrasts: Albania offers excellent ski opportunities for those with a keen sense of adventure
AlbaniaWith the European ski season fast approaching, snow sports addicts will be wondering where the best ski and snowboarding opportunities reside. For those looking to go off piste in search of something new and unspoiled this season, Albania offers a wealth of excellent ski opportunities.
As a country of contrasts, Albania has something to offer everyone whether it’s pristine beaches along the Adriatic coast or historical sites such as ancient Berat. However, one of the lesser known facts about the Balkan nation is its ski and snow sports opportunities with one of the best and most scenic of all regions being the striking Valbona Valley, in the Tropoja District of Northern Albania.
Perfect for those with a keen sense of adventure, skiing in Albania does not reflect typical Western style ski resorts. At Valbona Valley for example, there are no ski lifts or mountain rescue vehicles on the slopes. The village is quiet, with no shops, petrol stations or doctors surgeries and when it comes to food, the village relies on farming offering a traditional “back to basics” experience.
Ravin Maharajah, partner at leading Albanian resort Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa comments,
“Only 3 hours away from our development, the Valbona Valley is a must for those who wish to experience “authentic Albania”. The nation affords stunning geography with a number of excellent ski and snowboarding opportunities available on the northern and southern mountain chains. Mount Korab, the highest peak in Albania is certainly one to consider but it is important to remember that skiing in Albania is probably more suited to experienced snow sports fans. If it’s adventure you’re after, Albania has it all.”
With a superb location lying along both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania has a dry, temperate climate. At this time of year skiing in Albania could well be on the agenda, but winter conditions on the coast are generally mild with potential for visiting Albania’s beautiful beach locations.
Maharajah explains,
“The city of Durres in Albania reaches similar October temperatures as Malaga in Spain – just below 20 degrees. In November, Durres is on a par with St Tropez with temperatures reaching a pleasant 13 to 14 degrees. Albania is the perfect place to grab some winter sunshine, go for a coastal stroll and ski a few hours later – our development makes for a great winter hub.”
For those thinking about tapping into Albania´s property sector, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers a premium, exclusive beachfront product to investors who want the benefits of apartment and villa ownership including private gardens and terraces, exclusive services and more privacy as well as a range of facilities including private swimming pools, a BBQ area, tennis courts and superb restaurants for as little as €30,000.
For more information on owning a stunning apartment or villa in a country of contrasts, please contact Lalzit Bay on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
Beds in Bunkers! New Albanian tourism project sees communist concrete bunkers transformed into 21st century hostel hotspots
AlbaniaLast month, Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha stated that tourism had helped protect Albania from the economic crisis and as a result, Albanian tourism officials have been working hard this year to build and implement a national strategy that will drive tourism further.
With this in mind, forward thinking Albania has taken one reminder of its past life behind the Iron Curtain and turned it into something positive – converting an igloo-shaped concrete bunker into a backpacker hostel.
The joint German-Albanian tourism project, located in the coastal town of Tale, roughly 30 miles away from the Albanian capital of Tirana has a number of German and Albanian students working to convert the former bunker into a hostel that will house up to eight people.
Ravin Maharajah, one of the British partners of leading resort Lalzit Bay Resort, comments,
“The real aim of this project is to turn the past into something positive and put ‘beds in bunkers’. It’s about doing something useful with a feature from Albania’s communist past that will help benefit the country in the future. The innovative idea will provide cheap accommodation for tourists priced at juts €8 per night and will include all the fixtures and amenities you would expect from a hostel including wood floors, mattresses, a shower and a kitchenette. If all goes well, the plan to renovate a single bunker could rapidly expand especially considering there are around 750,000 of them!”
Indeed, last month’s speech by the Albanian Prime Minister pointed out that for the most recent months of 2012, compared with the same period of 2011, the number of foreign tourists arriving in Albania increased by 277,000, and thanks to tourism 190,000 new jobs were created.
Ravin Maharajah continues,
“Albania is focussed on doing what it can to grow tourism. Whether it’s turning bunkers into hostels or developing 5* beach front resorts such as Lalzit Bay, we must ensure that we cater to the needs of Albania’s growing tourism industry. Many backpackers will enjoy making the bunker hostels their home but there is also a growing number who are looking for excellent rental investments or second homes in the nation. Buyers are looking for somewhere unique and different but distinctly Mediterranean. Lalzit Bay is a remarkable European buying opportunity because it is located on a stunning beach, just 30 minutes to the international airport and capital and when you see the unspoiled beach, you realise that you’re seeing something really special.”
For those thinking about tapping into Albania´s property market, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers a premium, exclusive beachfront product to investors who want the benefits of villa ownership including private gardens and terraces, exclusive services and more privacy as well as a range of facilities including private swimming pools, a BBQ area, tennis courts and superb restaurants for as little as €30,000.
For more information on owning a stunning apartment or villa in one of the best performing growth markets in South Eastern Europe, please contact Lalzit Bay on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
Holiday makers and property investors look to emerging European markets as an alternative to the Eurozone
AlbaniaEmerging European economies saw around 150 million tourists visit in 2011, spending almost $100bn according to Marcus Svedberg of leading independent asset manager specialising in emerging markets, East Capital. And, with currencies in developing European economies maintaining their value as the euro dips, it seems both holiday makers and property investors are looking at emerging European markets as an alternative to the Eurozone.
Svedberg highlights that the increase in tourism in Emerging Europe is not a new thing, but rather a steady trend. To back this up, unique data from leading overseas property portal TheMoveChannel.com reveals that enquiries for Albania and other emerging European nations of Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Latvia increased by 10% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the last quarter of 2011.
Meanwhile, with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the fate of the common currency, investors have begun to transfer their money into emerging Europe, seen now as positive territory when compared to the collapsing markets in Western Europe.
Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, a 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s hotly tipped Adriatic coastline comments,
“Investors are looking towards emerging European nations as a safe haven with investors seeking to take advantage of cheap borrowing costs thanks to the European Central Bank´s new lows in deposit interest rates.
“With rising tourism, where travel has been especially strong through Eastern Europe with occupancy rates increasing by 7.5% in early 2012 according to the European Travel Commission, property investors should look no further than the attractive emerging markets in Europe right now.”
When it comes to just Eastern Europe, further data from TheMoveChannel.com has shown that the number of enquiries for Eastern European property increased by an impressive 203% last year. As well as this, Eastern Europe’s share of the total number of enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com database has grown by 11% this year compared to the whole of 2011.
Maharajah explains,
“Tourism and investment in emerging European markets particularly within Eastern nations has grown considerably. Albania for instance has experienced a surge in tourism levels founded on not only new regional transport infrastructure and economic improvements but a greater awareness about what Albania has to offer in terms of beaches and history. At Lalzit Bay we have seen an abundance of businesses popping up around the development thanks to a new road that connects Lalzit to the main highway – great news for investors. As well as this, the weak euro has meant that we have seen an increase in potential UK buyers wanting to take advantage of the amazing value they can get on a €30,000 property at Lalzit Bay.”
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers a premium, exclusive product to investors who want the benefits of villa ownership including private gardens and terraces, exclusive services and more privacy as well as a range of facilities including private swimming pools, a BBQ area, tennis courts and superb restaurants for as little as €30,000.
For more information on the Adriatic’s secret jewel please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.