A luxury tourism development backed by an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner is facing mounting public opposition in Albania, raising fresh questions about environmental approvals and the long-term outlook for one of the country’s largest real estate investments.
The €1.4 billion project, led by Affinity Partners in cooperation with local developers, is planned for Sazan Island and an undeveloped stretch of Albania’s Adriatic coastline near the protected Vjosa-Narta lagoon. While investors describe the development as a major opportunity for tourism and economic growth, environmental organizations argue that construction could significantly affect one of the country’s most valuable coastal ecosystems.
According to Reuters, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tirana this week to demand that the government suspend the project until environmental concerns are fully addressed.
Luxury Development Draws Environmental Scrutiny
The proposed resort is expected to include high-end hospitality facilities, residential properties, and supporting tourism infrastructure designed to attract international visitors and foreign investment. Its location near the Vjosa-Narta protected area has, however, become the center of growing controversy.
Environmental groups warn that large-scale construction could impact hundreds of hectares of undeveloped coastline that provide habitats for flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals, and nesting sea turtles. Conservation organizations argue that preserving these natural assets should take priority over commercial development.
Project representatives maintain that sustainability remains a key component of the investment strategy.
Asher Abehsera, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, which is partnering with Affinity Partners, said the company intends to deliver the project through responsible development practices while supporting local employment and creating lasting economic value for surrounding communities.
Developers have also stated that they are working within Albania’s legal framework and respecting all regulatory and institutional procedures governing the project.
Government Backs Foreign Investment
The demonstrations took place outside the office of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, where protesters carried banners criticizing the proposed resort and expressing concerns over the future of the country’s coastline.
Environmental campaigners are calling for construction activities to stop immediately and for heavy machinery to be removed from the planned development site near Zvërnec.
Despite growing public criticism, the Albanian government continues to support the investment.
Prime Minister Rama has emphasized that Albania must remain an attractive destination for international capital and warned against creating an image of a country that discourages foreign investors. According to the prime minister, the government has no intention of cancelling the project and considers international investment essential to the country’s long-term economic development.
The administration argues that carefully managed tourism projects can strengthen Albania’s economy while expanding its position as a Mediterranean destination for luxury hospitality and premium real estate.
Investment Risks Remain Under Close Watch
Although government officials continue to back the development, the project now faces increasing regulatory and public scrutiny.
Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has opened an investigation related to the resort development, adding another level of uncertainty to the investment. While authorities have not announced any suspension of construction, the investigation is expected to attract close attention from both domestic and international investors.
The Albanian resort forms part of a broader regional investment strategy announced by Jared Kushner in 2024. The initiative originally included the redevelopment of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia. That proposal was later withdrawn following widespread public protests, highlighting the political and regulatory challenges that can accompany high-profile real estate developments in Southeast Europe.
For international investors, the Albanian project illustrates both the opportunities and the risks associated with large-scale coastal developments. While demand for premium tourism destinations in the Adriatic region continues to grow, environmental regulations, community opposition, and government oversight remain critical factors that can influence project timelines, investment returns, and long-term asset value.