Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection, one of Albania’s most ambitious elite tourism projects, has officially opened this summer on the Green Coast, a jewel of the Albanian Riviera.

This 5-star-plus hotel is the result of an investment by BALFIN Group in partnership with Accor Group, a globally recognized leader in hospitality and tourism. The hotel operates under MGallery Collection brand, known for its elegance, unique identity at each destination, and the authentic experiences it offers to visitors around the world.

The opening event, held on June 30th, was marked by the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems (part of Accor Group), Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro, along with other politicians, ambassadors, banking executives, business partners, and many well-known figures from the art and culture scene.

Under the sunset of the Ionian Sea, the first welcoming speech was delivered by Samir Mane, the founder and President of  BALFIN Group.

He described Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection as “a strategic step to position Albania on the world map as an elite tourism destination.” He emphasized that “the project reflects BALFIN Group’s commitment not only to building infrastructure but also to creating job opportunities and supporting local development.” Mane also praised the partnership with financial institutions, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Intesa San Paolo, calling it “strong support that speaks volumes about the potential of tourism in Albania.” He concluded his speech by saying, “Green Coast Hotel – MGallery is the latest proof of what can be achieved when vision meets execution.”

Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, in her speech, highlighted the partnership between Accor Group and BALFIN, and the reasons why this well-known hotel chain trusted BALFIN’s vision to bring the first MGallery-branded hotel to Albania.

“At BALFIN, you can feel the heart and passion, the pioneering approach to bring a new brand like MGallery to the country, to guide it towards a new direction, and for Europe to recognize its true potential. This is exactly why Accor chose BALFIN as a partner. The hospitality industry is not a walk in the park; it’s a real challenge, but life deserves to be lived with big dreams, and Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection is truly one of those dreams,” said Maud Bailly.

There was also a welcoming speech by Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who expressed that “with Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection, Albania shows that it is a small country, but with big ambitions, and most importantly, on the right path to becoming a reference point in Europe for tourism.”

After the speeches, the ceremony continued with the symbolic ribbon-cutting by the President of  BALFIN Group, the CEO of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, Maud Bailly, and the Vice President of BALFIN, Martin Mane.

The evening ended with a stunning drone show, creating a festive atmosphere on the Ionian Sea coast.

Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection offers a new standard of hospitality. It features 131 rooms and suites, each offering a view of the Ionian Sea, a modern five-level spa, and four refined dining concepts – Mosaic Restaurant, Mente Lobby Bar, Vela Beach Bar, and Bliss by the Pool. Located on one of the few “Blue Flag” certified beaches in Albania, the hotel embodies the concept of regenerative tourism, with modern architecture that reflects the Mediterranean style, as well as a commitment to preserving nature and the heritage of the area.

Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection has directly employed 150 staff members, including experienced professionals in key positions, and has created over 350 additional jobs through local contractors and suppliers. With the goal of operating year-round, the hotel provides sustainable employment opportunities and ongoing training, creating real career development spaces in the hospitality sector.

This concrete commitment to integrating the local community and empowering human resources reflects BALFIN Group’s mission to positively impact the economy of the southern region of the country and position Albania as a reference destination for international elite tourism.