The news comes as Morocco enjoys the halo from its successful recent World Cup run, having reached the quarter-finals in the 2026 tournament, building on a semi-final attempt in 2022 that was a world first for any African or Arab team.

BREAKING: The first six teams have officially secured their places at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Spain
Portugal
Morocco
Uruguay
Argentina
Paraguay

As tournament hosts, all six nations qualify automatically. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the majority… pic.twitter.com/78jNIBZmji

— Speedline (@speedlne) July 20, 2026

The aim is to transform that spotlight into tangible growth for the Moroccan tourism sector, which, Reuters reports, currently represents approximately seven percent of GDP. Over190 billion dirhams (around €45 billion) have been earmarked by the government to expand rail, road, and air connectivity, as well as building essential venues such as stadia and supporting ground infrastructure in time for the 2030 competition.

One of those projects will be the construction of the world’s largest football stadium, in Casablanca, with a 115,000-capacity, described by the architects as “a cornerstone of King Mohammed VI’s vision to develop Morocco’s football infrastructure that will elevate Morocco to the highest global platform of sporting infrastructure development.”

Explaining the rationale behind all the investment, Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor told Reuters: “We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, ​not an end in itself.” The North African country has already achieved impressive acceleration in the sector, having added 45,000 hotel beds in four years.

The investments are already paying off. In 2025, Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists to take the title of Africa’s most visited destination, and the central bank is forecasting industry revenues of a record ​161 billion dirhams ⁠for 2027, from 138 billion dirhams in 2025, growth of over 16%.

The goal by 2030 is to attract 26 million visitors through a strategy to tap into Chinese, Middle Eastern, and US source markets, thanks to improved air connectivity, Ammor said. However, officials remain conscious of the need to achieve that growth sustainably, spreading footfall beyond the well-known attractions of Agadir and Marrakech by, for example, better promoting capital Rabat, especially as a MICE hub. “We need to make investments that create lasting value for Moroccan ​tourism,” the minister explained.

Rabat boasts historic monuments and museums, but is often viewed more as a quiet, political and diplomatic capital than a vibrant North African escape. It is, however, set to benefit from expanded sports infrastructure ahead of the 2030 tournament, turning it into a major host city for the tournament, which, in turn, is expected to generate buzz that will translate into longer-term tourism gains.

L’article Morocco to expand hotel capacity by 60,000 beds for 2030 World Cup est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Literary tourism is booming. People are continuously looking for new ways to explore the world and discovering new destinations through the lens of their favourite book matches perfectly with that goal. According to a report by Future Market Insights mentioned by Business Traveler, the literary tourism market can be expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2034.

Hilton is jumping on the bandwagon by opening a new hotel in Iceland. The Skáld Akureyri is part of the Curio Collection and is located in the city of Akureyri, also known as the gateway to Northern Iceland. Inspired by Iceland’s rich literary tradition, which is generally considered to have started with the 13^th-century works known as Eddas and runs all the way through to the Nordic Noir that debuted the nineties, the hotel is named after the skáld – a local poet and storyteller.

“Skáld Akureyri has been created as more than a place to stay – it is a house rooted in Akureyri, inspired by Icelandic poetry, and shaped by the surrounding landscape. We look forward to welcoming guests to a hotel where design, literature, food, and warm hospitality come together in the heart of North Iceland,” said Magnea Þórey Hjálmarsdóttir, general manager of the Skáld Akureyri.

The Skáld Akureyri hotel counts 71 guest rooms and 15 serviced apartments, which blend contemporary design with local materials and – of course – books. A fitness centre and two rooftop terraces are accessible to those who stay at the hotel, offering impressive views over the town, fjord, and surrounding landscape.

While the apartments feature fully-equipped kitchens, guests can also enjoy a meal at the hotel´s Nordic restaurant, Abba-labba-lá. The menu offers a mix of unexpected associations, local ingredients, and seasonal dishes.

“The opening of Skáld Akureyri marks a fantastic addition to our growing lifestyle portfolio across Europe. Set in the heart of North Iceland, this beautifully designed hotel perfectly captures the ethos of Curio Collection by Hilton through its distinctive design and elevated guest experience. As demand for unique, locally inspired stays continues to rise, we are delighted to expand our presence in Iceland with a property in a location that will allow guests to experience the wonder of this region,” stated David Kelly, senior vice president Continental Europe at Hilton.

Located on the historic Hafnarstræti in the heart of Akureyri, the new Hilton Curio Collection hotel is the ideal base from where to explore Northern Iceland. At approximately 400 kilometers from Icelands capital Reykjavik, Akureyri can be reached through a 40-minute domestic flight or by car by following the scenic Ring Road. Iceland’s Northern region is known for its Northern Lights as well as its so-called Diamond Circle, which takes visitors on a 250-kilometer tour past waterfalls, hot springs, and unforgettable coastlines.

L’article Hilton opens new literary-inspired Curio Collection hotel in Iceland est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Effective from the beginning of July 2026, the framework entails an initial inspection by hotel evaluators who compare the hotel’s amenities and operational standards to the information submitted by its owners. Later, a secret guest review takes place to confirm hotel’s final ranking.

During the checks, different criteria are applied depending on the hotel’s existing star rating, with hotels up to three stars grouped apart from four-and five-star establishments. Safety and hygiene, fire prevention, management, data protection, and sustainability are all elements taken into consideration, but the new system’s approach to pricing practices is, perhaps, its most significant aspect.

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There will be a harsher response to “establishments collecting unfair charges,” with the gouging penalty now tripled from 10 to 30 points. There will be only 100 points separating 4-star and a 5-star rating, meaning docked points could see properties losing a star. 

The new measures attempt to address recent public disquiet over spikes in the cost of accommodation during major events, such as K-pop gigs by BTS in Busan, which drove 200 to 300% increases in hotel room prices.

Commenting on the new framework, Kang Dong-jin, Director General of Tourism Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said its focus was “reducing the burden on the hotel industry while more strongly guaranteeing the safety and convenience of the public.” Encouraging stakeholders to respond positively to the overhaul, he added that the rating system should “serve as an opportunity to improve the quality of domestic hotel services.” 

Hoteliers who do not agree with their rating under the new system have the option to apply for their establishment to be re-evaluated and possibly to receive a higher rating, though it is not possible to be automatically promoted from the one to-three star category to the premium segment.

One part of the sector that commentators deem unlikely to be very affected by the new framework is South Korea’s casino resort offering. Due to the cards they hold in terms of export revenue (only foreign guests are allowed to gamble there), they are mostly classed as high-end establishments.

Medical tourism providers in South Korea— a global hub for dermatology, plastic surgery, longevity work, and complex interventions attracting over two million foreign patients annually—will need to prove “medical linkage services and the provision of conveniences.” It’s a move designed to promote more specialist facilities in an exploding health and wellness travel marketplace.

If successful, the changes should make South Korean hotel ratings a more reliable guide that gives visitors and guests are clearer picture of what to expect, before they book. Tougher penalties for unfair charges may discourage sharp price hikes during major events, while greater emphasis on safety, hygiene, data protection, and guest experience could give travellers more confidence that a hotel’s star rating reflects both its facilities and the quality of service delivered on the ground.

L’article South Korea overhauls hotel rating system with tougher penalties for price gouging est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 13 was the brainchild of Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung, but suffered a series of setbacks, including construction issues and financing, even before its original, delayed launch in 2018.

Located in Macao’s Seac Pai Van, Coloane, a wooded area reclaimed from the sea for housing and commerce, Hotel 13 was once billed as the world’s most luxurious hotel, having cost over US$7 million per room to create. Hung said at its inauguration that it would lay down “a new world standard for ultra-luxury hotels through its native brand, The 13.”

Even the establishment’s most basic accommodation, the “Villa du Comte”, featured Baroque detailing, sculptures, and deluxe fabrics. The villa-style suites had private elevators, Roman baths and colonnades, and offered private butler service and transport thanks to a fleet of bespoke, Rolls-Royce Phantoms—painted red to match the hotel itself.

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The hotel’s garishness was, however, considered part of its downfall. It also failed to become profitable due to its distance from Macao’s gambling district and its failure to secure its own satellite casino licence. It suspended operations in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, underwent bankruptcy in 2023, and, after earning a renewed five-star deluxe licence from the Macao Government Tourism Office, was acquired by Rio Hotel chairperson Loi Keong Kuong for HK$598 million (US$72 million) in 2025.

Now, with a new gold look and a suite of Guinness World Records under its belt (it holds the title for the most hotel elevator lobbies, and a green wall which is the tallest semi-indoor vertical garden in the world extending from the fifth to the 20th floor), the hotel team is looking to tap into the surging premium travel segment.

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That effort includes leaning into the hotel’s location, close to non-gambling attractions, including a nearby golf course and Macao’s Giant Panda Pavilion, to reel in affluent guests from across mainland China, as well as Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian source markets.

The fine dining offer at the 13 Palace embraces Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Italian and Japanese cuisine and hospitality venues include the Baroque blue glass Chairman’s Bar, while luxury spa facilities, limousines, and 24-hour butler service for its 199 suites remain de rigeur.

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It is hoped that the phased opening of between 50 and 100 rooms to start with will build momentum and a reputation on social media channels. Hotel sources said room bookings are currently at 50 to 60%, though online reservations do not yet appear to be accessible internationally.

L’article World’s former most expensive hotel finally reopens in Macao est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In a search for growth, new destinations, and investment opportunities, global hospitality brands are increasingly turning their attention to new, emerging markets. Angola can be considered one of them, among other things, thanks to the reforms undertaken to improve the investment climate and support economic diversification, as highlighted by President João Lourenço during the opening ceremony of the Global Tourism Forum Angola Investment Summit in Luanda.

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On 18 June 2026, three global hospitality leaders participated in the ‘Emerging Markets, Global Brands: The Next Frontier of Hospitality Development’ panel to shed light on the matter. Talking with host Laura Buckwell, Esteban Lozada (Managing Director, Development, North-West, West and South Africa at Hilton Hotels), Wesam Okasha (Head of Global Development for Asia, Greater China and EMEA Regions at TUI Hotels & Resorts), and Erwan Garnier (Associate Vice President for Development Africa at Radisson Hotels) went into the current hospitality opportunities in Angola.

According to Esteban Lozada from Hilton, demand generators, business tourism, leisure demand, airports, connectivity, roads, hospitals, security, stability, and the broader economic ecosystem are some of the key points that are being considered by global hotel brands before expanding into a new market.

With a new international airport, ongoing government efforts to support tourism development, and a rich natural landscape, Angola is ticking an increasing number of boxes. And with several signed hotel projects underway in the country, Hilton is ready to jump onto the occasion, expanding its African network.

Wesam Okasha from TUI, too, underlined the range of possibilities in Angola. For TUI Hotels & Resorts, the country is specifically interesting because of the potential to apply its so-called cluster model, a combination of rooms, experiences, brands, and community-linked tourism development. The diversity of the country, which allows for holidays that include golf, leisure, nature, cultural experiences, as well as iconic attractions, offers the opportunity to offer a well-balanced destination offer.

Moreover, Okasha also praised Angola’s ambition to build sustainable hospitality on all levels. With that in mind, a hotel school is expected to be a part of TUI’s first Angola-based project and should prepare over 2,000 people for the local hospitality sector as part of the brand’s commitment to benefit and involve local communities. As TUI is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, sustainability is expected to be a key point in its Angola-based projects from the start.

Erwan Garnier explained how Radisson has been studying Angola for over a decade, paying close attention to the evolving opportunities and emerging destinations. While stressing that many Africa-based projects don’t materialise due to a lack of funding, development costs, project structuring, and market-specific execution, he also said that these issues can be overcome by working with local investors, talent, and long-term partnerships.

Overall, the panel showed how Angola is currently combining opportunity and readiness, making it an interesting new frontier for hospitality development. However, the panellists underlined the importance of continuing the current development efforts. If so, the future of the hospital industry in Angola looks bright.

L’article Global hospitality leaders identify Angola as promising new frontier for hotel development est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Overall, 55% of accommodation providers are doing so without having gained the correct permissions, and another 22% hold only temporary licences. That means bona fide businesses form only 23% of the island’s hotel and tourist accommodation, the Audit Office figures show. In the Cypriot government-controlled Famagusta region, only 24 of the 241 tourist accommodation establishments are licensed—less than 10%.

Following the report, the island’s Deputy Ministry of Tourism recognised the issue, noting that over half of the territory’s tourist accommodation providers had never applied for a permit to operate. Tourism licensing is a perennial problem for the island, going back at least three decades. Officials say the backlog deteriorated further after an incentive scheme introduced in May 2013 came into effect with the aim of boosting the economy through denser developments and legalising unlicensed builds. This led to large-scale renovations and extensions that are yet to be assimilated into the permit system.

A compliance window of six years saw only 43 licenses awarded, meaning only six percent of hotels had a permit by 2023. That situation has now improved slightly, with the number of permits up to 94, or just under 13% by the end of 2024.

The last two years, meanwhile, have been taken up with consultations between the Deputy Ministry and various state bodies, with a view to ensuring a legal framework that applies safety legislation equally to all stakeholders. A programme of scheduled reminders to alert hospitality professionals to their obligations is also underway.

The picture is slightly better when it comes to self-catering accommodation, the Deputy Ministry said, with licensing drives increasing the number of operators with proper permits from 4,765 in April 2023 to 8,478 by 29 June 2026—a notable increase of 78%.

Given the proportion of operators doing business without licenses, the number of complaints about non-registered premises on the island is relatively low at 88 official reports.

Cyprus welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors in 2025, according to Cyprus Statistical Service data, a record-breaking number representing an increase of 12.2% year-on-year, but 2026 has been a challenging year so far, due to disruptions and travel alerts prompted by the war in the Middle East during the first and second quarters.

L’article Almost three-quarters of tourist accommodation in Cyprus operating without proper license est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to Airbnb’s announcement, the measures are part of a broader effort to support responsible stays and protect both hosts and local communities during peak demand weekends. The company says the system is specifically targeted at short-term rental bookings that may pose a higher risk of unauthorised parties, particularly in full-home listings that are more susceptible to large gatherings.

The anti-party system, first introduced in 2020, uses a combination of predictive signals and booking restrictions to identify and deter potentially higher-risk reservations. While Airbnb does not publicly disclose the full details of its enforcement algorithms, the company has previously described the system as relying on a range of factors, including booking patterns, length of stay, and reservation characteristics. When a booking is flagged, guests may be prevented from reserving certain entire-home listings or may be redirected toward alternative accommodations such as private rooms or hotels.

The system is being deployed ahead of the 4^th of July weekend, a period highly associated with increased incidents of unauthorised parties in short-term rentals. The move comes amid Airbnb’s ongoing effort to discourage large gatherings that violate its year-round party and event ban, which was made permanent in 2022 after being initially introduced as a temporary pandemic-era policy.

“This is the fifth year in a row we’ve run these defenses for July 4, and last year they redirected more than 20,000 people from higher-risk bookings over the holiday weekend. That kind of capability – improved year over year – is what it takes to help make the holiday great for our hosts, guests and the communities around them,” said Rog Kaiser, Vice President of Fraud and Safety Operations at Airbnb.

The anti-party measures are intended not only to protect property owners but also to reduce neighbourhood disturbances and support responsible stays on the platform. Airbnb said that fewer than approximately 0.06% of bookings in the United States resulted in a reported party in 2025.

During last year’s 4^th of July holiday weekend, the company said its screening technology redirected more than 20,000 guests from booking entire-home listings. That figure included approximately 3,100 guests in Florida, 3,100 in Texas and around 2,500 in California.

The renewed rollout of the technology comes as several recent incidents have drawn attention to unauthorised gatherings at short-term rental properties. On 22 June, three people were hospitalised following a shooting at a party held at an Airbnb property in Butchertown, Kentucky, according to local outlet WAVE.

In another incident earlier this year, a Texas mansion was left heavily damaged after a party advertised on social media attracted an estimated 500 to 800 teenagers and young adults. The homeowner told FOX 4 News that the property had been rented through Airbnb by a guest who said it would be used for “a party of seven people.”

@cbsnewstexas

Celina police say a social media post advertising a massive house party led to 500 to 800 teens gathering at a home rented through Airbnb. The party ended with multiple gunshots and two arrests. The owner of the $7.6 million property, Kishore Karlapudi, says he had no idea a house party was planned.

♬ original sound – CBS News Texas

Some hosts have said the anti-party screening system can make it harder to secure legitimate holiday bookings, particularly during peak demand periods like the 4^th of July weekend. Josh Zozosky, who manages more than 50 Airbnb properties in Charlotte, North Carolina, told WBTW that “Our houses will very frequently sit empty on the biggest holiday of the year,” adding that there is “nothing we can do if we rely solely on Airbnb to fill those bookings.” He noted that he would like to see Airbnb provide stronger support for hosts when parties do occur, saying, “I think that’s something they can improve on.”

As travel demand surges for summer events and national holidays, Airbnb’s approach reflects a broader industry focus on preventing misuse of vacation rentals while maintaining availability for legitimate travellers.

L’article Airbnb brings back anti-party system ahead of 4 July weekend to prevent disruptive gatherings est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The opening represents the first full season for the property under the Banyan Tree brand after it joined the group’s portfolio. Located on a secluded islet surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, the 32-room resort combines the site’s historic architecture with the hospitality company’s signature focus on wellbeing, dining and cultural experiences.

The resort is the result of a seven-year restoration project that preserved the fortress’s historic character while introducing contemporary luxury. Originally constructed in the 1850s as Fort Mamula, the structure served as a coastal defence fortification. Throughout the restoration, original architectural elements, including the fortress’s distinctive arches, were retained and reinterpreted across the property, while the interiors incorporate natural stone, aged brass, solid oak and craftsmanship inspired by local pottery and joinery traditions.

According to Banyan Group, the property now features the brand’s award-winning Banyan Tree Spa alongside destination-led dining concepts, wellness experiences, cultural programming and nature-based activities.

Guests arrive by private boat across Boka Bay or by helicopter from Dubrovnik or Tivat. The island sanctuary offers three outdoor pools, a private beach, a spa located within the historic fortress tower and several dining venues highlighting local ingredients and Mediterranean flavours.

The culinary offering includes Parasol, serving seafood-focused dishes beside the pools, Kamena Restaurant overlooking the Adriatic with menus centred on locally harvested ingredients, and Celeste, which draws inspiration from coastal cooking traditions spanning Italy, the Caribbean and the Levant. Evenings are centred around Pinea Bar, where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and vinyl music sessions.

Cultural experiences also form a key part of the resort’s identity. Banyan Group said the property has introduced an Artists-in-Residence programme featuring local and regional creatives, alongside workshops, exhibitions, maker sessions, live music, opera evenings and the Operosa Music Festival.

The resort is also available for exclusive island buyouts for weddings, retreats and private events across venues that include the restored fortress, open-air terraces, gardens, spa facilities and beachfront spaces.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is Banyan Group’s first European resort under its flagship brand, expanding the Singapore-based hospitality company’s global footprint while introducing a new luxury destination on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.

L’article Banyan Tree launches first European resort with opening of Mamula Island in Montenegro est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The magazine has unveiled its latest Hotel Hall of Fame, a selection of the world’s best hotels where consistency and reputation matter more than novelty. The list celebrates hotels that have themselves become destinations, places where the hotel experience is as much a reason to travel as the surrounding city or landscape.

To qualify, hotels must have been open for at least five years, establishing themselves as a constant presence in their community and shaping the region in which they are located. The list recognises properties that have stood the test of time by combining heritage, atmosphere, service, and a strong sense of place.

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Europe’s grand hotels remain well represented, with nine of the 21 properties located in France, Italy, Monaco, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland.

Notably absent from the list, however, is Asia, despite being home to some of the world’s most legendary hotels. Examples include Bangkok’s historic Mandarin Oriental, which is celebrating its 150^th anniversary this year, and Singapore’s Raffles, which opened in 1887 and has been attracting glamorous society globetrotters and culturalists from around the globe ever since. Both properties have long been destinations in their own right.

Paris claims two spots with some of its most legendary addresses: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, overlooking Place de la Concorde, and Le Meurice, the historic palace hotel on Rue de Rivoli that has welcomed artists, royalty and international travellers for generations.

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Italy does not disappoint either, with three properties included. On the shores of Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo embody the kind of lakeside elegance that has attracted visitors to northern Italy for over a century. The former has been owned by the same family for four generations. In the capital, the Hotel Eden Rome completes the trio, offering a more secluded form of luxury overlooking the Eternal City.

Monaco’s famous Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo, a symbol of Riviera glamour since the 19^th century, also makes the cut, alongside Badrutt’s Palace in St Moritz, the Swiss alpine institution credited with helping turn the mountain town into one of the world’s most exclusive winter destinations.

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Meanwhile, in the UK and Ireland, London’s Hotel Café Royal and Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois receive the magazine’s nod of approval. The latter, a restored 19^th-century Irish country estate, is praised for offering a luxury experience far removed from the noise of modern city life.

American classics also feature prominently across the Atlantic, including The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Mark in New York, The Colony in Palm Beach, and the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, where Marilyn Monroe lived during her marriage to Joe DiMaggio and returned in 1962 for her final Vogue photoshoot. Mexico is represented by Rosewood Mayakoba and Las Ventanas al Paraíso.

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Nine hotels joined the Hall of Fame this year, including the Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo, the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, and the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel in New York.

According to Esquire, a key aspect of legendary hospitality is the pleasure guests experience when served champagne upon arrival. Psychologists and hospitality experts call this the “Peak-End Rule”, whereby people judge an experience largely based on how they felt at its peak and at its very beginning.

Trends may come and go, but according to the list, true luxury is perhaps less about being the newest name on the map and more about becoming part of the map itself.

L’article Esquire unveils the world’s most iconic hotels in new Hall of Fame est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Tirana carrying inflatable flamingos to oppose the project, which is backed by Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners. Environmental groups warn that the development threatens one of Albania’s most fragile coastal ecosystems, which is home to migratory birds, dolphins, sea turtles, monk seals and flamingos.

“Albania is not for sale!” chanted demonstrators in the capital, where rallies escalated into clashes with the police. Others gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, calling for his resignation and shouting “revolution”.

@politiplot BREAKING: Albania’s Anti-Trump Protests Have Now Entered Day 11. What began as opposition to the Trump family’s proposed luxury development project has turned into nearly two weeks of sustained demonstrations. First came the deal. Then came the backlash. Now comes Day 11. The question is whether the pressure changes anything, or whether the standoff gets even bigger from here. #albania #flamingorevolution #jaredkushner #sazanisland #fyp ♬ They Don't Care About Us (Remastered Version) – Michael Jackson

For environmentalists, the issue goes beyond flamingos. Joni Vorpsey, of the NGO Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, describes the area as “like being in a fairytale”, a “magical hub”, warning construction could “wipe out that part of nature” and “open the gate” for development across the protected coastline.

At the heart of the dispute lies Sazan Island, a former secret military base used by the Soviet Union and communist Albania for submarines and other military purposes. Cold War bunkers are still scattered across the island today.

Unveiled in 2024 by Affinity Partners, the plan would transform Sazan Island and part of the Vjosa-Narta coastal area into a luxury destination complete with hotels, villas, and a marina. Vorpsey said that, from the renderings posted on Instagram by Kushner himself, “everything seems terrible”.

Rama insists the investment is too important to abandon. “There’s no chance this investment would be stopped as long as I am here,” he says, arguing that a tourist spending $2,000 a night ultimately benefits “the cook, the driver, the fisherman, the farmer” and local businesses. He has dismissed the protests as exaggerated.

Ivanka Trump, who has been involved in promoting the project alongside her husband, described discovering the island during a boat trip. “We swam to the island. We hiked barefoot all the way to the top and were captivated by it,” she recalled. A spokesperson for the project’s developer, Sazan Real Estate Development, said the team’s focus is “responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement”.

These promises have not convinced everyone. “We are a small country, and we cannot allow Albania to become a new Dubai,” said Eva Kushova, of the Albanian non-profit Destination Management Organisation. “Albania should first serve its own people,” she added, echoing more than 40 environmental groups who wrote to the government in January demanding the project be suspended.

Land disputes here often trace back to the collapse of communism, and this deal is no exception. Anti-corruption prosecutors have opened an investigation into land titles linked to the area and frozen the bank accounts of a company involved in the deal. The financing structure has also come under scrutiny, including reported links to Qatari investors connected to the wider development.

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For its part, the White House has tried to distance itself from the deal. Spokesperson Anna Kelly said Kushner is a “volunteer” whose private business “has nothing to do with the administration”.

This controversy comes at a time when Albania is moving closer to the European Union (EU). During a recent visit, European Council President António Costa praised Tirana’s progress towards membership. However, accession will also require the country to align with EU environmental standards.

Albania’s pink flamingos have become unexpected representatives in the fight between luxury tourism and the protection of one of Europe’s last wild coastlines.

L’article Jared Kushner’s Albania luxury resort plan sparks protests over flamingo habitat est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.