How Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are bringing the American economic development vision to Albania, transforming a Cold War-era undeveloped island into a luxury tourist destination — another example of “Peace through Economy”
Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are carrying out one of the most ambitious private investments in the history of Albanian tourism. Through their company Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC (linked to Kushner’s Affinity Partners fund), they have received full approval from the Albanian Government to develop a $1.4 billion luxury resort on Sazan Island (sometimes referred to in the media as the “Trump Island”).
The project aims to transform the undeveloped island, a former communist military base from the Cold War period, into an exclusive world-class tourist destination — featuring luxury hotels (in partnership with brands such as Aman), elite residences, a marina, gastronomic spaces, and modern infrastructure.
The project also includes other areas near Vlora, such as the Zvërnec Peninsula, creating a large investment portfolio expected to generate thousands of jobs and position Albania as a new luxury destination in the Mediterranean.
From a military island to a tourist paradise
Sazan, one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean, has been a restricted military zone for decades.
Now, with the strategic approval given by Prime Minister Edi Rama at the end of 2024 and full approval in January 2026, the implementation phase begins. Ivanka Trump has expressed her personal enthusiasm for the project, calling it “extraordinary” and emphasizing that they are bringing the best international architects and brands.
This investment is a clear example of the “economy first” approach that characterizes the Trump family. Following success in the real estate business, Jared Kushner is expanding his international activity through private funds, bringing serious capital to countries with great potential but in need of development.
Benefits for Albania
• High-end tourism: A project that will attract high-spending visitors, increasing tourism revenue.
• Jobs and local development: Expected to create hundreds to thousands of direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation.
• New infrastructure: Improvement of connections with Vlora, a marina, and modern services that can also benefit surrounding communities.
• International image: Albania is attracting high-profile American investors, which opens the door for further investments.
