BIG, SPLASHY WEDDINGS

Nora Johnson Breaking Views

AFTER a few years of uncertainty, the wedding season’s back in full swing. Post ­ lockdown, everyone deserves a party but if, with the cost­of living crisis, it’s a choice between a big wedding or house deposit, I know what I’d choose.

Expensive weddings are a rip off. The bride and groom are a salesperson’s dream and the more extras they can flog you the better their bonus. Anybody who considers a big party to be more important than a roof over your head is bad news. A wedding day only lasts 24 hours. A marriage lasts (hopefully) a lifetime. It makes far more sense now to spend potentially limited funds on property as the length of marriage is invariably inversely proportional to the amount spent on the wedding... ture, vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary delights. It also offers a broad spectrum of experiences, from beach vacations in Ibiza to cultural tours in Barcelona with its iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia.

Oh, and a few tips. Always get married early in the morning, so if the marriage doesn’t work out you haven’t wasted the whole day! And check the organist’s familiar with the wedding music because one hapless bride who’d asked an aged organist to play the theme tune from Kevin Costner’s ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ found herself galloping down the aisle to ‘Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen . . .’ Oops!

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.no ra­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99;£0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Tourism growth compared to Spain from the UK in 2022. Its mature and diverse tourism industry, coupled with strong international connections, keeps it ahead of Albania.

While Albania’s tourism is undoubtedly on the rise, offering a unique and budgetfriendly alternative to other European destinations, it’s unlikely to pose a significant threat to Spain’s well­established tourism industry.

Albania offers long sandy beaches, historical cities like Berat, archaeological sites such as Apollonia and Butrint, and an emerging festival scene. The cost of living is notably low, with meals for two averaging £29, and three ­ star hotels available for around £31 a night.

Spain, on the other hand, is famous for its rich cul ­

Albania’s tourism sector is thriving, with over 3.4 million foreign nationals visiting in the first half of 2023, a 33 per cent increase from 2022. British nationals are a growing segment with around 120,000 visiting each year. Many are now drawn by new budget flights from Ryanair and Wizz Air. Additionally, Albania’s favourable social media presence has boosted its appeal to a younger clientele.

Spain, however, remains a leading tourist destination, reportedly welcoming over 15.1 million tourists

The growing interest in Albania showcases its potential as a charming destination with unique features that appeal to cost ­ conscious travellers. Its continued growth could complement rather than compete with traditional holiday spots like Spain, providing travellers with more varied options for their European getaways.

For those seeking a blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and affordability, Albania might just be the new go­to destination. Yet, Spain’s established reputation, diverse offerings, and warmer climate ensure that it will continue to reign as a premier vacation choice for many tourists worldwide.

By Clinica Britannia