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The visit of Ivanka Trump, together with her husband Jared Kushner, to Vlora has renewed attention on plans for strategic investments in the areas of Sazan and Zvërnec—two of the most sensitive yet most promising territories along the Albanian coastline. During the visit, an official meeting was held with the Prime Minister, where large-scale tourism and real estate projects were discussed, aiming to position Albania as a luxury destination in the Mediterranean.
According to media reports, the main project is related to the construction of an elite resort on the island of Sazan, along with associated infrastructure and tourism developments in the Zvërnec area. The proposed investment is estimated at around €1.3–1.4 billion, ranking among the largest foreign direct investments in Albania’s history.
From an economic perspective, the investment is expected to:
create thousands of jobs, both during the construction phase and during operation;
significantly increase tourism revenues, particularly from high-spending tourists, whose average expenditure is estimated to be several times higher than the current average;
generate a multiplier effect in construction, transport, services, gastronomy, and trade.
The areas surrounding Vlora and the coastline are expected to experience a significant increase in land and property prices. In Vlora, apartment prices near the sea have shown continuous growth in recent years, reaching values of €1,800–2,500 per square meter in certain areas, while such investments could further accelerate this trend.
Historically, similar luxury projects have led to:
increased interest from private investors;
growing demand for residential and tourist properties;
rising short-term and long-term rental prices.
Such investments are usually accompanied by improvements in infrastructure, including roads, energy supply, water provision, and public services, stimulating urban development in areas that have so far been considered peripheral. However, rapid price growth carries the risk of reducing housing affordability for local residents.
A project of this scale would significantly improve Albania’s image as a destination for major investments, attracting foreign capital into other sectors as well. In the medium and long term, the following are expected:
increased revenues from profit and employment taxes;
expansion of the local and national tax base;
greater diversification of the economic structure.
Despite the economic benefits, concerns have been raised regarding:
the impact on the biodiversity of the Karaburun–Sazan area;
the risk of excessive coastal development;
the need for transparency and involvement of the local community in decision-making.
Ivanka Trump’s visit to Vlora and discussions with Albanian authorities indicate growing interest from international investors in Albania. Potential investments in Sazan and Zvërnec have the capacity to transform the real estate market, increase employment, and provide a strong economic boost. However, their real impact will depend on balancing economic development, environmental protection, and the interests of local communities.
