Sazan, Albania — In a move poised to reshape luxury tourism in the Mediterranean, the Trump family has acquired one of the last undeveloped islands, Sazan, situated off the coast of Albania. The island, known for its untouched Jurassic landscape and strategic location, is set to transform under the guidance of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
Immediate Impact: A New Era for Sazan
Ivanka Trump expressed her enthusiasm during a July 2024 podcast, revealing plans to collaborate with top architects and brands to develop the 1,400-acre island. “It’s going to be extraordinary,” she stated, highlighting the potential of Sazan as a luxury tourism hub.
Jared Kushner echoed this sentiment, describing the island as a “treasure” and envisioning it as an ideal resort destination for family and friends. The Albanian government granted preliminary approval for the project on December 30, 2024.
Key Details Emerge: Development Plans and Challenges
Despite its allure, Sazan presents challenges. The island is dotted with signs warning of landmines, remnants of its past as a military fortress during Albania’s communist era. Lieutenant Commander Arbër Celaj of the Albanian navy guided visitors cautiously, emphasizing the need for safety.
“Sazan’s climate is not Mediterranean — it’s subtropical. The biodiversity is crazy,” Celaj explained, noting the island’s unique flora.
Kushner and his associate, Asher Abehsera, CEO of Affinity Global Development, plan to integrate the island’s historical bunkers into the luxury development, preserving its intriguing past.
Background Context: Sazan’s Historical Significance
During Albania’s communist era from 1946 to 1991, Sazan was a symbol of isolation, serving as a military base with extensive bunkers and tunnels. The island, once home to military families, remained cut off from the mainland, embodying the nation’s defensive stance against potential superpower threats.
Today, the island is controlled by the Albanian armed forces and patrolled by sailors who oversee its transformation into a luxury destination.
Regional Implications: Albania’s Strategic Move
Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, supports the development, viewing it as a necessary step to boost the country’s economy. “We need luxury tourism like a desert needs water,” Rama stated, underscoring the project’s potential to attract significant investment.
Nearly 12 million foreign visitors traveled to Albania in 2024, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
Rama’s government has partnered with Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, offering substantial incentives such as tax exemptions during construction and infrastructure support.
Expert Analysis: Environmental Concerns and Solutions
Environmentalists express concern over the potential impact on Sazan’s ecosystem. Olsi Nika, director of NGO EcoAlbania, warns of the risks posed by large-scale development in the protected Karaburun-Sazan maritime national park.
In response, Affinity has enlisted global sustainable development firm Arup to ensure ecological considerations are prioritized. Kushner assures that the development will respect the island’s natural environment, aiming to alleviate fears.
What Comes Next: Future Developments and Prospects
The project on Sazan is part of a broader strategy by Kushner and Affinity Partners, which includes plans to develop a luxury hotel in Serbia. The move aligns with efforts to strengthen regional ties and attract American investment.
As the transformation of Sazan progresses, the island stands at the crossroads of preserving its historical legacy while embracing a new future as a luxury destination. The balance between development and conservation will be crucial in shaping its identity.
As the story of Sazan unfolds, the world watches to see how this unique island will evolve under the stewardship of the Trump family and their ambitious vision for luxury tourism.
