This situation is slowly changing. As more and more cruise operators discover the unspoilt beaches of this country and the fact that it enjoys much better weather than its northern cousins, cruise ships have slowly started appearing along the country’s coastline.

The latest one is the global cruising heavyweight P&O, which recently announced that the Albanian resort area of Durres will be added to the list of ports on which the company’s cruise ships call.

This is almost certain to boost property sales in the region and estate agents and developers no doubt welcomed the move.

Albania has long been discovered as one of the last travel bargains by independent travellers and backpackers. Their virtual travel bible, the Lonely Planet, has now named Albania its top tourist pick. This will undoubtedly further stimulate the local economy.

The P&O announcement also included destinations such as Madeira, St Lucia and Hong Kong. It will definitely increase tourist numbers in all these regions and have a positive effect on economic activity. Arguably Albania needs it more than any of the others on the list. Although the country’s beaches already see 600,000 tourists every year, foreign investment is crucial to its further development.

Ravin Maharaja, Director of the Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, a major new development in Durres, had the following to say “Now is an exciting time for Albania in terms of both tourism and economy. Albania is being recognised by the likes of P&O cruises as an up-and-coming hot spot for visitors."