In addition to the high number of tourists, this summer Durrës has also been populated by many luxury yachts. Anchoring yachts in Durrës brings additional income for tourism.

“Until August 20, more than 40 mega yachts have visited the port of Durrës. The season in which yachts move starts in April and continues until the end of October, but depending on the time even in the first days of November,” said Taulant Allka, Captain of the port of Durrës.

The main part of expenses for yachts in Durrës is related to fuel.

Beginning with the luxury yacht of the deputy President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mansour to that of the oligarch Patokh Chodiev, some return to Albania for the umpteenth time and some are visitors for the first time.

“For the first time it was the A+ yacht of the sheikh, Mansour, the owner of Manchester City. It was the first time they visited Albania and they were very satisfied because everything was done in record time. About 800,000 liters of oil supply, crew change, various services, food supplies were carried out in just 8 hours. The Port Authority of Durrës has created a special base for the small yachts we are talking about, which have increased their stay time. So, they don’t just come to make supplies or stay for one night, but they stayed for several days,” Allka said.

Beyond the rumors that they only come to get fuel, their expense invoices show thousands of euros in expenses.

The upward trend in the number of luxury yachts and sailboats is expected to continue until the beginning of October, thus being evidence of a very successful summer season.