Vlora Marina attracts architecture students of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”

Vlora Marina welcomed another group of students on a site visit, this time from the Faculty of Architecture at the Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel. 24 future architects visited the tourism project in the coastal city as part of the B4Students program initiative to introduce students up close to the field they study. The visit was a combination of observing site works and interacting with industry professionals.
Accompanied by the dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Prof. Fabio Capanni, and their lecturers, the group of students met with the Project Manager, Ervin Baçaj, who briefly presented them with the Marina’s development and importance for the community.
During their exploratory tour and learning in the shipyard environment, the students were introduced to the team of engineers and architects who told them about the construction techniques for the composite and functional part. Aspects of design, space planning, and the technology used were some of the issues that were discussed with the project’s Construction Manager, Klarens Misho.

“The people surrounding the Mediterranean are different, but at the same time, they share something with each other. The sea has always been a basic mean of communication for all these people, so the fact that such a tourist port opens in Albania is essential, because it integrates the country into a wider communication system and also into a part of tourism that perhaps is currently missing. This project will not only have an economic impact, but also a cultural one,” said Dean Fabio Cappani. He also mentioned his appreciation on the professional practices offered by BALFIN Group through the B4Students program.

The Project Manager, Ervin Baçaj said that “Vlora Marina will consist of a group of activities that make it unique in its kind. We are open to share the experience, novelties and features of this unique project with future professionals in the field, to familiarize them with the industry.”

Vlora Marina is designed to become the central node of elite tourism in Albania. In addition to the new jobs it will continue to create until its full operation, the tourist port is expected to contribute over 20 million euros per year to the city’s economy from the income of its service portfolio.

Why you should invest in a property near a Marina!

If you are looking for a good investment opportunity, a home to live or a fantastic vacation for the whole family, there is only something magical that can make this wish come true; buying a house by the sea!
The relaxing view as you watch the world go by while enjoying the luxurious comfort of your new home in Marina, is the best way to relax.
It is already a fact that living by the sea has a positive effect on human well-being.

These are some of the main benefits of living close to the sea, close to everything.

1.Sports and other activities

Living by the sea means swimming, sunbathing and for the more adventurous; kayaking, sailing and diving. You have just guaranteed for yourself a fun weekend, full of activities that will give you a strong feeling of freedom in the end.

2.The view, is incomparable to anything else
One of the most attractive aspects that leads to the list of benefits is the breathtaking panoramas that they offer.
Imagine sitting on your veranda and a deep sense of calm passes through you as you are looking at the magnificent view of the sea in front of you.

3.Excellent investment

Regardless of where the residential complex is located, properties near the sea will always be in demand. You may pay more for these types of properties, but the return over time justifies the investment. If you decide to rent out your property, you can ask for higher rent due to the strategic location by the sea.
4.Sea breeze

Living by the sea means getting the necessary daily dose for a long and healthy life. The sea breeze will make you feel much more energetic, young, and fresh all the time.

Vlora Marina, the project that is transforming elite tourism in Albania!

While all of Albania’s energy is oriented towards investments in the field of tourism, one of the projects that is receiving special attention is Vlora Marina, which is considered one of the most strategic in the development of elite tourism in the country.
Vlora Marina, which stands as a precious stone between two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian, is predicted to be one of the largest in the Balkan region, turning into a competitive project in a global market. Vlora Marina was conceived to offer the best services with the highest quality and also to bring a new approach to hospitality, a sector still unconsolidated with the appropriate standards in Albania.
The increasing number of cruises that stops on Albanian shores, and the addition of a new direct flight line such as Ryanair with 18 destinations from Tirana to Europe, have led to a significant increase in foreign visitors in Albania.
The growing number of tourists is the main reason of all these elite investments are capable to offer premium services.
This new project has attracted the attention of foreign media. The Italian news agency ANSA described Vlora Marina as part of the explosion of tourism in the Adriatic. According to the study conducted by Risposte Turismo, an Italian company specializing in tourism research and consultancy, Albania has the largest increase in the Adriatic region, with 53.9% passengers more than a year ago, with a larger increase and ahead of Montenegro, Greece, or Italy.
According to the study, the cruise industry and in particular the ferry segment will be the sectors that will benefit the most from new investments in the next three years.
According to the official figures in the country, in the first 4 months of 2023, the number of passengers from cruises was 8% higher compared to the same period last year.
The economic development that this project will generate is expected to transform Vlora and Albania into one of the most competitive countries in the elite tourism industry, in the Balkan region and even wider throughout the Mediterranean.

According to the prediction, the implementation of this project will bring to the economy of Vlora a benefit of 4.3 million euros per year.
Located in one of the most strategic positions of the city, Vlora Marina brings for the first time in Albania a mixed urban development, completely authentic. In a world-class Marina with 438 berths, Premium apartments with exclusive sea views, and a well-known network of 5-star luxury hotel brands.

The lack of Albanian infrastructure in yacht berthing

Croatia and Montenegro are two of the region’s countries that register a large number of yachts berthed for the summer season. The neighboring country, Italy, also registers high numbers with visitors from all over the world who choose it as a destination . All these three countries are best-loved by tourists, not only for the historical heritage they have or for the coastline, but also for the proper infrastructure they have for berthing yachts, ranking them on the map of elite tourism.
Where is Albania positioned regarding this aspect?
During the summer season, in our country, random yachts anchor in the city of Vlora or Saranda using the current ports and choosing Albania only as a transitory plac. The lack of a port with all the right parameters for berthing yachts means that our country is not preferred for this type of tourism, even though what we offer on our coastline has the same parameters as that of neighboring countries.
According to Ervin Bacaj , the Project Manager of the new Vlora Marina port, investing in this directon is really important, not only to give another boost to country’s tourism, but also to turn it into elite tourism.
Bacaj emphasizes that Vlora has a long coastline, with beaches frequented not only by Albanians but also by foreign citizens, who choose Albania as a tourism destination during the season of summer. Thus, by accomplishing the appropriate infrastructure, more tourists from all over the world will join the country with their yachts with the intention to stay longer and not only as a transitory place.

Vlora Marina, the project that completes the infrastructure for a year-round tourism

Not simply the city of Vlora, but in general coastal tourism in our country
has a seasonal tourism which lasts mostly until October, depending on the climatic conditions. It is often discussed about a season that lasts throughout the year, but in order to have such tourism there is also a need for a proper infrastructure that
facilitates the movements of tourists who want to visit our coast as well as the addition of accommodation structures.

Vlora Marina is the project that aims to turn the city of Vlora into a center
not only seasonal but visitable all year round. With a marine for berthing yachts, with the promenade along the marine where various services meet the demands of visitors within all service standards. Vlora Marina is expected to fill what is missing in the country’s tourism. But with the new project, the visitors of the marine will also require other complementary services, and this is precisely why
there is a need for more hotel capacities.

According to tourist agencies, the city of Vlora continues to be attractive for both local and foreign tourists. Every year there are more requests for hotels from foreign tourists who prefer to visit our country attracted by the coast, natural beauty, history and local cuisine. By achieving this necessary infrastructure, such as the harbor for berthing yachts and meeting the accommodation requirements
within the standards, the city of Vlora, and not only, is intended to become a destination in the winter season as well.

Vlora Marina, the tourism project that will reshape country’s tourism

Vlora Marina is the latest tourism project that is expected to be added to the city of Vlora, with the main aim of bringing a reshape of tourism, not only in this area but throughout the whole country. What is this project about? Vlora Marina is organized into several main areas: The tourism port designed as a world-class Marina with 438 berths for yachts and mega yachts. Lungomare will be a promenade that will expand along the seaside uniting the existing promenade with the sandy beach and service units along the promenade with shops, bars, restaurants and various spaces for entertainment. Each of these areas consists of its own purpose, but combined together they form a destination that will offer customers a lively environment where they can choose between several amenities and services to enjoy with their friends or family.

In view of its strategic positioning, Vlora Marina will offer the possibility of exploring the Albanian coast to foreign tourists who will choose our country to visit. Until now, this alternative did not exist and this caused Albania to lack the chance of being on the map of destinations for this category of tourists. Soon, Vlora Marina will not only position country tourism in this perspective, but will also affect economic development.

Vlora Marina , a rendezvous to everyone

Soon, a brand new urban development will be attached to the city of Vlora, a world – class
destination that integrates lifestyle with various services. Vlora Marina is the tourism port which
will redefine not only tourism in this city but also in the country, giving Albania a key role on the
map of elite tourism.
Vlora Marina is conceptualised as a marine where yachts will be located in our country, with the
intention of exploring the untouched beauties of the Adriatic and Ionian coast.
The newest project does not only consist of the marine, but it also includes a promenade along it,
hotels, numerous service units, parks and the Plazza. Considering its unique location by the sea,
this stunning development sets a new standard by offering customers a vibrant environment
where they can choose from several amenities and services to enjoy with their friends or family.
This is a destination for every season, as interesting and meaningful as the most famous similar
projects in Europe with a surprising range of possibilities already in the heart of the
Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its strategic positioning, Vlora Marina will offer many different
options for exploring the Albanian coast, opening up endless opportunities both in terms of
tourism development and the impact it will have on the Albanian economy.

Enjoy Vlora along the year, Vlora Marina, the project that will revitalize tourism

You can enjoy the city of Vlora both during the summer, but also during the winter season.
Vlora Marina, the new tourism port is expected to rank it in the list of tourist cities along the
year. The most challenging venture in itself, promises a large modern marine, where tourist
vessels, from yachts and megayachts , will be berthed. According to Ervin Bacaj, who
manages this project, the Marine will have international standards, but the real innovation will
be the diverse services that will be offered in the premises regardless of the seasons. In Vlora
Marina, there will also be spaces for cultural and artistic activities in every period, and its
functionality will be intertwined with the development of the area.

"Citizens will have the opportunity to stop at the Marine, and furthermore, go with a specific
goal and become part of the events that are organized there. Services such as bars and
restaurants, but also all others, will be available throughout the year to anyone who frequents
the south coast" – says the Project Manager.

According to Ervin Bacaj, this tourism port will be at the same level as the marines in
Europe’s different countries and those in the neighboring countries. Everything is feasible if
we consider that the total value of the investment will be ALL 2.8 billion, spread over three to
four years, while the income it will bring to the city's economy when it starts operating will be
considerable.

Vlora Marina, not only a modern marina but also increasing employment

About 20 million Euros of income per year are expected to be added to Vlora economy, thanks to the marine that this city will soon have. Vlora Marina is the project that will replace the industrial port and fundamentally change this reality.

The designers have stipulated a capacity of about 450 berths while the country’s Prime Minister has promised a modern marine which will have world class standards. Yachts and mega-yachts, ships and cruises will be berthed there in accordance with world practices, besides the variety of support services, such as hotel, bar and restaurant, gastronomy, gym and of course the beach, which will be offered to
conclude the experience of tourists who will choose Vlora for vacation. Also, all this investment will interpret into increased employment and income for the area. Currently, the industrial port of Vlora is in a poor condition, with backward infrastructure and minimal people and goods volume traffic. Its existing condition has turned into an obstacle for the use of the full tourism potential of our coast. While with the latest investment, Vlora Marina will soon become the gateway to
our country for the most popular tourist itineraries, placing Albania on the map of elite tourism.

Vlora tourism through challenges and the necessity for a more international standard Marine

As in many countries around the world, tourism in Albania is considered as an important source
of income and employment generation. In our country, tourism is undergoing a stabilized and
qualitative progress. This also given the fact that Albania is strategically positioned to meet the market's demands, focusing on tourism in 365 days of the year. One of the cities that empowers it with all the potential it carries is the coastal city of Vlora, which for years has become an in-
vogue destination thanks to its historical and cultural attractions. The city offers a large number of services, hotels and restaurants with the object of attracting as many local and foreign tourists as possible. However, one of the challenges of the development of the tourism sector in Albania and especially in Vlora, is the lack of a marine that meets the international parameters to welcome
more and more foreign tourists who choose to visit our country with their yachts. The construction of a marine in Vlora would solve this impasse and bring a new boost to tourism. As reported by the head of the Vlora Marina project, Ervin Bacaj, this is a very important step not only for Vlora but also for the country. Bacaj explains that a new marine would develop the area, thanks to the endless possibilities of balancing the tourist offer and services, improving the standard of living, increasing employment in the tourism sector, increasing income from tourist services and mitigating the poverty in these areas. Building a marine with international parameters has a chain-effect impact on a greater level. Taking into account the best examples throughout the continent, a modern yacht port will be the gateway of our country for the most popular tourist itineraries. Likewise, as regards the project leader, this investment requires responsibility and a will to build on every parameter as well as to give the country another asset that will contribute to the tourism sector, currently the most important in our country.