Ivanka Trump's Beach Resort Faces Backlash From Locals and Activists

WHO:

CNN - Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Edi Rama (Albania’s Prime Minister), Ariel Brunner (Europe director for BirdLife), Asher Abehsera (chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC), Melitjan Nezaj (environmental biologist at PPNEA).

Politico - Edi Rama, Jared Kushner, Qatari and local investors.

WHAT:

CNN - Ivanka Trump is planning a luxury resort on a 1,400-hectare private island in the Mediterranean, including five miles of Albanian beachfront.

CNN - The project includes development in a protected natural area, which has sparked protests in Tirana.

CNN - The luxury resort could include up to 10,000 hotel rooms and villas.

CNN - Protests featured demonstrators carrying pink cardboard cutouts of flamingos, indicating threats to their habitat.

CNN - The Albanian special anti-corruption prosecution office (SPAK) has opened an investigation related to the project.

Politico - The resort did not undergo an environmental impact assessment.

WHERE:

CNN - The project is located on a private island in the Mediterranean and along the Albanian beachfront, specifically in the Vjosa–Narta Protected Landscape.

Politico - Protests are occurring in Tirana, Albania.

WHEN:

CNN - The project was discussed in a podcast interview published recently.

CNN - Changes to Albania’s nature laws permitting luxury resort construction within protected areas were implemented in 2024.

WHY:

CNN - The project aims to create a world-class destination and is described as one of the largest private investments in the region’s history.

Politico - Edi Rama stated that the project is prioritized for foreign investment as it brings money to the country.

HOW:

CNN - The project is backed by a group of investors, including Qatari and local investors, and involves collaboration with architects from various countries.

CNN - Environmental groups have documented heavy machinery on the beach and have raised concerns about the lack of visible permits or planning documents for the project.

(UPDATED June 6, 2026 07:53 UTC)

Ivanka Trump is spearheading a luxury resort development on a 1,400-hectare private island in the Mediterranean, which will feature five miles of Albanian beachfront and could include up to 10,000 hotel rooms and villas. However, the project has ignited protests in Tirana, with demonstrators expressing concerns over its impact on the protected natural area and the lack of an environmental impact assessment, prompting an investigation by Albania's special anti-corruption prosecution office. The resort, backed by a coalition of Qatari and local investors, is seen as a significant private investment for the region, with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasizing its potential to attract foreign investment and boost the economy.