The so-called “blue economy” aims at the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, the creation of better livelihoods and new jobs while preserving the health of the marine ecosystem.
In Albania, the small town of Orikum, located about 20 km south of Vlora, will be the starting point for the development of elite tourism. In recent years, there has been a growing interest from luxury yachts to dock in what is currently the only tourist port in the country.
However, managing a port that can accommodate the most modern and largest yachts entails the need to raise the standard of services. Arjan Ruhi, technical director of Marina Orikum, is perfectly aware of this. Ruhi explained that in Albania the “blue economy” has only recently taken its first steps. “We are the last missing segment in the connections with the Adriatic Sea”, he said, underlining that the construction of the new tourist ports of Vlora, Durres and Limion in Saranda, and the parallel development of the nautical industry will be accompanied by agreements for the connection with other Adriatic ports, such as “Porto Piccolo Trieste” and the Marina of Brindisi. Furthermore, the existing agreement with the Italian Naval League will be extended for another three years.
In recent days the “Vlora Marina” project was presented in the city of Vlora. This will be the first international-level tourist port in Albania, which will offer 438 berths all year round, apartments with exclusive sea views, a network of 5-star luxury hotels and an elegant waterfront.
Vlora Marina is considered one of the strategic investments for the development of tourism, especially the elite one. The implementation of this project should bring more than 200,000 tourists a year to the Balkan country, with income estimated at around 20 million euros a year, as well as many job openings.
The name of the company that will manage the marina of Vlora, already operating in seven countries with over 20 elite marinas, will be announced soon.
