Yahweh, the luxury of Albanian wealthy: Here's the millions spent and whoever buys them.

Billions are often part of the world's “bombbastic titles” and, in many cases, for their extravagant lifestyle. They've got supermacines, megayachs, hotels and vacations to create the illusion of another world, of a real world. Albania, although an ocean point, seems not to have escaped the tendency of the super rich to enjoy the maximum access that this status gives you.

Finally, one tendency being outlined is the possession of a yacht, switching from the rental phase to being owner. Sources from market operators who also conduct negotiations or assist in transactions told “Monitor” that, in the bow of less than a year, seven yachts were bought, but their numbers are much larger. The question that arises naturally is: Where are these yachts, why don't we see them on Albanian shores?
In fact, most choose to go away from Albania, on the coast of Montekarlo in Monaco, in Cannes, in France, in the Netherlands, and closest to Albania, in Tivat in Montenegro. There are also those who choose to touch the Albanian coasts from time to time, but this action does not create the common problem stemming from bureaucracy, because their census is done under the flag of another state, which may be Malta, Holland, Italy, Cyprus or Monaco.

Volumes have come on the rise, confirming the tendency of importing other vessels where motorboats and gomone boats have been marking a figure of 4165 imported units, worth 4.5 million dollars, according to official sources.

But for this category it is easy to understand the value spent on yachts, transactions are conducted on channels outside Albania, but that through negotiator agencies you can create an idea of the millions that circulate. Dorian Mersini, a lawyer for naval affairs, says interest has come to an increase, but transactions taken do not go through Albania. He adds that there are at least 20m euros in yacht purchases being made in the country, of which, Albania has lost 4m only by the T non-accustation OVR's progress.

Who's buying them?

Not everyone can buy a yacht, in many cases not for the sake of the first expense that is the value of this device but rather for the cost of maintenance and prosecution. These are the ones that make up the real challenge, and especially in a country like Albania, where infrastructure is weak and yachts are viewed with suspicion as being “gomone” that have been done from time to time part of the news with police and antianabis shares. If you take a yacht, rationally he needs to stay in the water rather than store himself somewhere, this phase just makes it a simple tool.

But who is actually buying yachts according to businessmen and sectors where they operate? Almost all sectors have a representative name, but in recent years, it is mainly the builders who have bought yachts, the lucky game industry has also been interested, as have bankers. The latter, where most are foreigners but not only, come from another culture, where the rich of a yacht is not something extraordinary but a way to save the routine. And there are yachts in these conditions as long as foreign citizenship and a vehicle registered under an Albanian flag makes it easier for them.

It is not hard to find the names of those who have a yacht today, because on the pages of companies that have conducted transactions and records under the flag of the other state, the buyers have left the impressions of service performed, however more than names other than names, the importance is taking three points: Albanians are following the tendency to buy yachts, Albania is losing money from transactions that are not channeled through it, and it seems that nothing is ready on the ground to respond to this trend.
A stalemate appears to have triggered a long-standing mortorium applied by the former Berisha government and a dim policy of overhauling this sector by the Rama government, which came just a few months after the ban was lifted.

Where Albanian yachts are being kept today

Today, Albanians are even keeping their yachts in Porto Montenegro, located in Tivat, Montenegro. There is a long-term rental option in this port of 10 to 30 years for an handling site. In total, there are 450 places for prosecution at this port. By 2009, when the event began, 200 of them were sold. The cost of discussing a 12-month-long yacht with a length of 15 metres is 3,500 euros, but this also ranges according to specific parameters of each yacht.

Bonus, in the case of Tivat Port, is the fact that Porto Montenegro, as well as a large portion of the private and concession ports of yachts, offers relief as fuel free on the final price, which makes the journey very economical, as well as the share of drinks and wine again “tax free”.

Another portion of those who have yachts choose to keep in the Netherlands as well, and that's because the registration procedure under their flag is without red tape, and it can even be met online, worth up to 220 euros to 350 euros, while airport fees vary according to port.
In Albania, according to experts, the census turns into a nightmare for citizens, as legislation still remains incompatible with the demands of time and steps European states have made. It remains perhaps the least we've approached.

Imports of gomons, boates, and motorboats increase

Data shows that there is an ever - increasing tendency to purchase a floating vessel. A yacht on the 20-25m border starts minimally with a value of 500 thousand euros and, according to the size and size of the integrating responsibilities, the price, amounting to millions of euros, rises.
But not everyone can afford the sheer cost of a yacht - classed vessel. So much of those who enjoy a satisfying economic status and share the passion for fishing, exploration, and adrenaline that the sea provides are limited to more economic means, such as scathes, burmons, but why not even the motor that is commonly known as jet skis.

But how import is presented for these tools from 2012 to the end of 2016. In 2012, while we still had a total of mortorium in effect, at least 84 gomones have been imported, which are blown in air or gas to a quantum value of over $ 67,000. In 2013, when the mortorium was removed, the import for these gomones went to 130 units and the cash value of $14,000. In 2014 221 gomone units were imported, worth $13,000. The peak for this category would be 2015, 616 units, and worth $28 thousand. In 2016, while the number is low, only 121, their value amounts to a record $38,8 000, which indicates the import of the most expensive gomones, since the average price per entity has reached $22628.

From 2012 to the end of 2016, 365 automotives have been imported in total, and their value is $1.66 million. On average, the price per unit is $669. The year when more snowboats were imported is 2015, with 105, while in 2016, only 75 units resulted.

Other vessels, such as motorboats or jet skiing, are also listed, reaching 2023, from a 90 - minimal swing in 2012 and 282 in 2013. The value of imports for this category is $1.9m, at the average price of $718 per unit, but that the price of boats decreases markedly from the average at the price of jet ski (see the graphs at the end of writing).
In total, what is observed is the tendency of Albanians to be equipped with floating tools, where much of it has gone to the function of tourism, as are mainly jet skiing but also individual use.

Interview with Dorian Mersini, naval attorney

“Here's who's buying yachts”

Albania must facilitate procedures, improve infrastructure and respond to time requirements related to the development of Albanian nauticals. Today, there is an increase in interest by Albanian millionaires “to flee” from the routine on a private yacht, but the bureaucracy they face turn normals' adventure into a separate stress.

In an interview for “Monitor”, Dorian Mersini, a lawyer for naval affairs, says interest has come on the rise, but transactions made do not go through Albania. At least 20m euros of yacht purchases that have been made, Albania has lost 4m only because of the T's non-accused. VVV's progress. More problematic than that are the bureaucracy in the country in case you want to make such a luxurious purchase. However, according to Mersin, it has not restricted Albanians to buy superyaches, and to register them under other flags.

This registration practice through flag delivery allows these states to channel in their fiscal systems transactions on the sale of boats, related services, as well as to offer access to their ships and ports of the flag. While unfortunately, Albania remains silent as a spectator, which still does not view the sector as an important source of revenue, and does not foresee any state strategy”, Mersini says.

How does the trend of yachts show up today?

Before I explain your question, I congratulate you and am pleased that your magazine has always written about this subject, to help the reader understand as much about yachts as possible, which, unfortunately, for the Albanians, over many years and for many reasons are considered a banned <x0-mole”. However, let us focus on the future of this sector in Albania and forget the past, as we can only follow a positive and relaxed spirit, very important for Albanians this summer season.

Let's get back to the question. The tendency to own a yacht today has become markedly popular with a large part of Albanian businessmen, who today, after decades of business work, have the financial opportunity to experiment in such investments. More than ever before, they need to feel the freedom, tranquillity, privacy, and luxury on board a yacht.

Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the Albanian coast has a particular magic, in the absence of road infrastructure along the coastline, most of it is presented entirely as a virgin and can only be accessed by sea. That's exactly what makes the yacht cruise seem like some kind of adventure for exploring new places. This trend is highly appreciated by foreign yacht tourists, who can only achieve this experience in Albania, as in other countries the population has developed along the coastline.

Is demand for yacht purchase increased by data, and who is buying them?

Yes, today we can say with certainty that the demand to buy yachts or rent them is on the rise, that is precisely what I mentioned earlier, the economic growth of our country and Albanian businesses. However, it should be noted that the lack of culture and experiences of Albanians in boats makes the demand somewhat fragile. Not really thinking. In most cases, emotional. Time or fashion rather than life - style. The important thing is that Albanians who have financial opportunities have recently begun to take their first steps in the possession of boats and renting them. In time, this tendency will surely become a life - style for them and their children. Every new culture takes its time to develop with endurance.

Over the past 10 years, we can say that yacht trading transactions in Albania have recognised a significant increase, as they have exceeded the figure of 20m euros. This figure, though seemingly high, is negligible if we refer to their high value for units. Also, if we were to compare the performance of this trend in neighbouring countries such as Greece, Italy, Montenegro or Croatia, we would notice that Albania is far behind in this regard. The reasons why our country is failing to fully absorb this trend, referring to the competitive neighbouring countries, is that in Albania, this sector has been developed fairly, according to sporadic initiatives by Albanian businessmen themselves. We still don't have a clear strategy of concrete and long-term investments. There are no ships or ports suitable for hospitality and yacht service, according to time requirements.

The only port in place of what might be called a yacht marine is Orikum's. A country like Albania, with 450 kilometers of coastline, had to own at least 10 such ports, with about 4,000 hosting sites, only for domestic needs. But to be competitive in the region, it had to own at least 30 ports, with a complex capacity of nearly 18,000 members of the prosecution. It should not be forgotten that today, in Albania, about 5,000 dimensions boats between 5m and 20m result.

The luxury yacht clientele, before deciding on the registration and flag of the floating vehicle, through specialised vehicle management agencies, is a advance study of the alternatives and fiscal advantages offered by various countries in the world that have interests in the marine economy. These countries, such as Malta, Holland, Belgium, Great Britain, Croatia, Montenegro, etc., have been engaged in a global competition to absorb as many yachts as possible near their maritime records. This census practice by giving the flag, allows these states to channel into fiscal systems transactions on the sale of boats, related services, and to offer access to ships and ports of the flag.

While unfortunately, Albania remains silent as a spectator, which still does not view the sector as an important source of revenue and does not provide for any state strategy or private public partnership, for the development of this important part of the Albanian economy.

We just look at the development of yacht ports in our neighbour Montenegro, especially Porto Montenegro in Tivat. This is an investment that has seized the value of 100m euros, realised in less than 10 years, with support from Montenegrin government through concession projects provided to foreign investors. This port, formerly in service to the military after being granted concessions, has developed a completely forgotten area before, very poor. After 10 years, Tivat residents no longer have employment problems, have turned their dwellings into hotels, and today this area is frequented by a level elite tourism level, generating numerous incomes not only for the community of the area but also for the state of Montenegro.

In view of these experiences, we can easily understand where our mistakes are and take the right path to development of the sector.
Still today, the yacht clientele in Albania faces a number of bureaucratic problems that have been inherited over the years. No government has taken or is taking the initiative to reduce or eliminate, since international sea practices are presented, referring to yachts.

If a boat seeks to sail to Albanian waters, based on legal requirements, it should report by presenting the constantly required documentation to Border Police, Capital, Port Administration, etc. This practice is required for cargo ships and cannot also be a binding requirement for boats sailing within territorial waters. The announcement of institutions in all countries of the world, when we have no state border crossing, is made through radio communication, by the yacht captain.

While 24 hours before departure, institutions should be announced in Albania, a set of documents (expensive licenses, identification documents of persons on board, testimony, permits, etc.) should be sent and then received confirmation from all institutions for the launch of the boat. It must be realized that a floating device is always identified through the number of matrica and radio communication that the captain carried out with continuing port captains. This practice has been passed on from the time that scraps were viewed as means of engage in illegal activities. Quite the contrary today. Skafes are owned by business personalities, art, sports. Exercise control is a good practice, since it helps to ensure navigation. But asking for the presentation of institutional documents, whenever the boat sets out to sail, it makes it a pleasure to be a nightmare. As a result, it obliges Albanian owners to give up ownership of the boat, or its registration with the Albanian flag, as well as to stop renting these boats in Albania, but to choose neighbouring countries where these practices are completely liberalised.

Since Albania owns about 460 km of coastal line, it has all the geographical and economic potential to develop the Naucic sector, not according to the inventions of Albanian officials, but according to the best experiences realised in neighbouring countries, where this sector has received a sustainable development, with contemporary standards, under market competitiveness.

What about rent, how is this report? How are prices of rent and purchase presented? Who rents yachts today?

The yachting, given the problems addressed above, is today presented as an alternative to boat ownership. Clientela, not to face the difficulties Natutika has in Albania today, prefers to rent boats and enjoy only the part of the satisfaction that these luxury tools donate. Those who choose the rent, more than ownership of the boat, are individuals who have recently begun to spend their vacations on yachts and still feel unwilling to embrace both aspects of a boat's rich. The difficult part: maintenance and management of the boat, costs and beautiful parts: use for pleasure. In the category of renters, even individuals with conditioned time as a result of their daily dedication. Such ones view the lease as a less expensive and less demanding option, compared with the ownership of a yacht.

The rental prices are determined by the sector's own market, the type of boat, the navigation area, capacity, length of rent, etc. There's a significant difference between sailing boats and motor yachts. The first are more suitable for the middle and high class of society, referring to economic opportunities. While motor yachts are the exclusiveness of the wealthy (they start at 1,000 euros a day and borders is the imagination and the client's portfolio).

What negatively affects the Albanian market in raising the price of rent is the lack of portal infrastructure suitable for yacht service. International insurance companies still do not provide insurance service for navigation to Albanian waters. naval maps still result in unsurpassed (old editions) and many navigation areas currently appear to be mined maritime areas.
Also missing are information on portals or web sites for this kind of tourism in Albania. There are no specialised and certified guidees to treat and serve yacht tourism in the country. In Albania we still don't have a fuel distributor for yachts that cross transit and seek to supply tax-disfellowshipped oil. They miss specialised yacht services (goodkeeping, technical assistance at sea, cleaning, etc.).

Our country is not part of the international market for yacht movement which brings many uncertainty to its owners. The bravest ones, those with the spirit of the explorer, choose to sail in Albanian waters, and undoubtedly have a remarkable experience that they then take pride in showing it to their friends. But this is not and cannot be the right way to promote this sector.

This information on the international rental market (Yacht Charter) has a very negative impact, which does not help the approach of foreign investors' interest to Albanian nature. On the other hand, it is noteworthy that this kind of tourism will explode itself from domestic market demands, which is already beginning to focus on this new direction. Many Albanian businesses have undertaken an initiative to build yacht marines, including ports with multifunctional residences in nautical service. Four such projects have been launched simultaneously, mainly along the Adriatic coast. Tomorrow these initiatives will remain merely on paper or be implemented soon, time will show. I personally agree that, given the past years' wrong experiences, from lost time and the lack of revenue of this economic sector, it will be in the interest of the Albanian government to enable and support the realisation of these investments, which would lead to Albanian faults.

Rent

The rental prices are determined by the sector's own market, the type of boat, the navigation area, capacity, length of rent, etc. There's a significant difference between sailing boats and motor yachts. The first are more suitable for the middle and high class of society, referring to economic opportunities. While motor yachts are the exclusiveness of the wealthy (they start at 1,000 euros a day and borders is the imagination and the client's portfolio).

What impact does failing to follow the necessary portual infrastructure have on which to dock? Much of what they own keeps out of Albania...

As I put it before, individuals who have decided to buy a yacht are addressed to specialised agencies to decide on - the ship's registration state, the dock, citizenship, and Certificate of the crew they will carry on board - the site for the shipyard. If in neighboring countries all these services are offered and bureaucratic and fiscal facilities exist, then choosing the best option is in the hands of the clientele.

Only if our country will take steps forward in this direction, by creating the possibility of foreign investments in the construction of contemporary conditions, the binding of marine infrastructure with the road and air network, the delivery of specialized yacht services, the reduction or removal of administrative bureaucracy that do not coincide with international practices, the changing fiscal system for services and the ownership of yachts, and the promotion of this sector in the Tourism Fair, then we can request this client to assess along with many alternatives, our variant for the possession of an Albanian Jahti Flamur.

What are the most beautiful yachting areas?

The most beautiful areas of our country to travel on yachts are the bays and caves found in the Ionian Sea (The Snake of Karabubun, Saban, Bay of Gramma, Arusha, Haxhi Ali's Cave, Gjipe, Castle of Ali Pasha Tepeena, the coast of Shroom, Himara, Saranda). These breasts, in addition to the amazing natural beauty, are filled with history and archaeological sites. In this direction, the state must do its first preservation and control, environmental protection, catalogation of archaeological assets on and underwater, as well as issue relevant laws with strict sanctions, if these assets are violated by tourists, whether Albanian or foreign citizens.
Also beautiful areas are the Adriatic Sea, where the Cape of Rhodes may be mentioned in Skenderbe, Skenderbe, Rana, and thrown into Strygin.