In June of this year, the first 5-star+ hotel opened in Palasë, Albania: Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection.
The BALFIN Group, together with the Accor hotel chain, has managed to bring to the south of the country one of the most popular brands, MGallery, which is found in 42 countries and 6 continents of the world; in city centers, by the sea, but also near forests.
Maud Bailly, Executive Director of MGallery & Emblems, but also of other brands such as Sofitel or Sofitel Legend (all part of the Accor Group), in a recent interview given on social networks, assesses that the opening of a luxury hotel like Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection comes at the right moment for Albania. Among other things, she also dwells on the partnership with the BALFIN Group, as well as on the potential that the country has for sustainable tourism.
Below, the full interview, translated into Albanian by Boldnews:
The Accor Group is one of the largest multinational hospitality companies, operating in 5,584 locations in more than 110 countries. Albania is also added to the destinations. Why at this moment?
I strongly believe that Albania is experiencing an extraordinary moment of development. Never before has the growth of the tourism industry been so high and sustainable. Ahead of us lie several years that will mark historical records for Albanian tourism, and I am convinced that this is just the beginning. Therefore, I think that this is the most appropriate and best moment to invest in Albania, opening luxury hotels and taking advantage of the extraordinary potential of this sector.
What did you do together with the BALFIN Group to bring a hotel under the international MGallery brand to a small country like Albania for the first time?
The BALFIN Group is a very stable investment group with a strong reputation in the market. We were looking for a partner that was not only solid and reliable, but also had deep local expertise, to properly understand the Albanian market. It should also be said that we were aware of the BALFIN Group's commitment to sustainable tourism and, if we put all this together, it is clear why the BALFIN Group was considered the best possible partner for the opening of this hotel.
What typically drives Accor to select partners with whom it shares its strategy and vision, to continuously transform the hospitality industry?
People are looking for new destinations, places that are not overcrowded and offer contact with nature. The desire to travel and discover unknown places is evident, and Albania remains a relatively undiscovered destination. If through Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection we manage to introduce a new and beautiful tourist destination, I would call it a real achievement. However, I share the conviction that this ambitious project will be a “game-changer”, not only for us, but also for Albania.
Do you think that Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection will contribute to the development of sustainable tourism?
I really hope that, through this unique hotel, local and foreign travelers will have the opportunity to discover the rich Albanian nature, culture and heritage. I am truly optimistic that Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection will offer fulfilling experiences for everyone because I believe it will be an open door to everything Albania has to offer. It is just the beginning!
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