Albania announces new national coastal agency to develop beach tourism

Photo credit: W Stuppert

The 30-strong agency, approved by the Council of Ministers, will set out to ensure that the development of Albania's coastal zone will proceed in a sustainable manner, with the hope that it will attract more visitors to the emerging destination.

Indeed, according to the latest research report by UK travel association ABTA,  beach holidays are top choice for Brits heading overseas, with 44 per cent lining up a sun-lounger by the sea for their 2014 vacations.

With the support of the World Bank, the Albanian government is also planning to apply for international Blue Flag status, which is awarded to beaches that adhere to strict water quality criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
 
These positive developments are welcomed by Peter Walshe, Sales & Marketing Director at Lalzit Bay Resort, located on the Adriatic Coast.

"Albania's coastline is one of its greatest assets and its responsible management will be a major benefit to the local communities and foreign visitors," he comments.
 
"The Adriatic Coast has an abundance of shingle and rocky beaches, yet this stretch of Albania's Coast is one of the few with a beautiful 200m wide, 14km long sandy beach. Its popularity is growing quickly and Lalzit Bay has become an extremely popular destination with visitors from all around the region and is in a prime location at just 35km from the capital. Every summer we see more and more foreign visitors from all over Europe visiting Albanian and Lalzit Bay, bringing their families and children and enjoying this stunning location.

"Our properties are finished to high standards and priced at a huge discount to Montenegro, Croatia and Greece. None of these destinations can beat beach front prices from €1,000 per m2 and entry level studios from €35,000 m2."