It looks like Russians are very attractive as tourists, as different countries try to lure them with interesting offers. After Bulgaria announced that it offers free visas for Russian tourists when crossing the border, another country in the area, Albania, launches an offer for tourists from Russia too. Albania wants to boost its tourism, offering unilateral visa-free travel for Russians as well as announcing a draft law which stipulates that people who invest USD 200,000 in the country will receive citizenship.
“Albania is focused on growing tourism and FDI throughout the Balkan region and beyond, across its varied landscape. Whether it’s hiking, white water rafting or relaxing on the Adriatic coast at stunning locations such as Lalzit Bay, we must ensure that we cater to the needs of Albania’s growing tourism industry and make it as easy as possible for people to visit and indeed invest,” explained Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for 5* Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, Albania.
The first step was made four years ago, when the country’s Ambassador to Russia, Sokol Gioka, introduced a 90-day visa free stay for Russians. This measure led to an impressive number of tourists from Russia coming to Albania. This is why the government is following up with the same offering for 2013’s Summer months (June to October) hoping in another boost of Russian tourists.
Albania is an attractive country for investors as well, as it has average annual real growth rates of 6% and now is one of the world’s upper-middle income countries. Investors could be interested, for instance, in Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa www.lalzitbay.com which is a premium beachfront product to those interested in a villa ownership including private gardens and terraces. The company provides exclusive services and privacy, and a series of facilities including private swimming pools, barbecue area, tennis courts and superb restaurants. Prices for these villas range from €30,000 for a studio apartment to €200,000 for a 3 bed villa.
