The Greek tourism industry continues to develop and innovate, with significant developments in various sectors. From luxury hotels and cutting-edge destinations in the heart of Athens, to new investment in island regions and impressive cruise ships, Greece is strengthening its position as a top tourist destination.
At the same time, data from regional airports show increased traffic, indicating a positive trend for this year’s tourist season. These developments reflect the dynamics of Greek tourism and the effort to diversify and upgrade the services offered, attracting visitors with a variety of interests and requirements.
THE ILISIAN: A New Multidimensional Destination Emerges in the Heart of Athens
Athens is preparing to welcome a new landmark on its map, as the historic building that housed the Hilton Athens for more than half a century is being transformed into an innovative, multidimensional destination called THE ILISIAN.
Ionian Hotel Enterprises, the company behind this ambitious venture, unveiled its plans at an event held on June 20, 2024, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. THE ILISIAN aspires to be a complete ecosystem of experiences, combining luxury accommodation, dining, entertainment, wellness and shopping.
The central element of the new destination will be the Conrad Athens hotel, the first of the chain in Greece, with 278 rooms and suites. At the same time, the complex will include 18 private Conrad Residences and 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences, ushering in a new era of luxury living in the Greek capital.
Achilles B. Konstantakopoulos, President of TEMES SA, emphasized: “With great respect for the unique history of this iconic building, we feel the responsibility of reviving it so that it continues to be a beloved destination, creating memories for a lifetime.”
The investment, which is expected to exceed 340 million euros, is expected to have a significant economic and social impact. According to a study by the University of Piraeus, the total impact of THE ILISIAN in its first five years of operation is estimated to exceed 1.25 billion euros. In addition, the project is expected to create up to 800 new jobs during its operation.
THE ILISIAN’s design emphasizes sustainable development, aiming for LEED Gold certification. At the same time, it preserves and highlights the emblematic elements of the building, including the facades designed by the famous Greek artist Yiannis Moralis.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis characterized the project as “a bridge that unites the present with the past, leading the capital to a more hopeful future” , underlining its importance for the promotion of Athens as a destination 12 months a year.
THE ILISIAN is expected to open its doors next year, aspiring to be a point of reference for Athens residents and visitors alike, combining cosmopolitan character with the authentic, modern Athenian experience.
Announcement of a new luxury hotel in Thirasia by Aria Hotels
The five-star hotel The Duchess, is the new project of Aria Hotels, and is being developed in Thirasia. It is set to open its doors in the spring of 2025, offering guests a unique accommodation experience overlooking the Santorini caldera.
The Duchess will feature 12 luxury suites, an infinity pool, a haute cuisine restaurant and a spa. The goal is to offer a complete experience of authentic Greek hospitality and relaxation to guests.
Aria Hotels, with around 70 properties across Greece, is also the first hospitality company in Greece to lease innovative vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Soon, visitors will be able to travel on these aircraft, landing at one of the four vertiports the company is building to connect mainland Greece with the islands.
20.1% increase in foreign passenger arrivals at Kalamata Airport in May 2024
According to the data of the Civil Aviation Service, Kalamata airport recorded a 20.1% increase in foreign passenger arrivals in May 2024 compared to the corresponding month of 2023. Specifically, in May 2024, 12,345 passengers arrived from abroad, compared to 10,283 in May 2023. This increase is attributed to the strengthening of the tourist flow to its area Messinia and the addition of new international routes. These figures are an encouraging sign for the course of tourism in the region for this summer season.
Utopia of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean’s Fleet: A New Chapter in Short Cruises
Royal Caribbean International officially welcomed the newest member of its fleet, Utopia of the Seas, in a spectacular ceremony in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship, which is expected to revolutionize short cruises, was delivered by Chantiers de l`Atlantique shipyards, marking the completion of two years of construction.
Utopia of the Seas, the sixth ship in the Oasis class, will pioneer 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, with her first departure scheduled for July 19.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized the importance of Utopia of the Seas as part of the company’s strategy to offer diverse vacation experiences. “From the ultimate vacation for all ages on Icon of the Seas, to the ultimate weekend getaway on Utopia of the Seas, we are focused on offering our guests a variety of vacations and treasured memories ,” he said.
Utopia of the Seas impresses with its features:
- Five swimming pools, including one exclusively for adults
- The Ultimate Abyss, the longest water slide at 79 meters long
- More than 40 places to eat, drink and have fun
- Innovative restaurants such as Royal Railway – Utopia Station and Izumi in the Park
- New entertainment venues including the Pesky Parrot tiki bar
In addition, passengers will be able to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, which offers unique experiences such as the new adults-only Hideaway Beach.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, emphasized the importance of Utopia of the Seas to the company’s short cruise strategy. “This is the perfect short break to create amazing memories in a 3-night or 4-night getaway,” he said.
Utopia of the Seas is expected to further strengthen Royal Caribbean’s position in the cruise market, offering a new option for those looking for a short but experiential vacation. With the addition of this ship, the company continues to innovate in the industry, adapting its services to the modern needs of travelers.
Vision Omonia: A New Landmark of Art and Hospitality in the Heart of Athens
Athens is welcoming a new, innovative hotel that promises to revitalize the historic area of Omonia. Vision Omonia, the first hotel of the VISION Greece chain, officially opened its doors on June 18, 2024, marking a new era for urban tourism in the Greek capital. The hotel, located just a few steps from the Omonia metro, uniquely combines neoclassical design with a strong artistic identity. It features 42 elegantly designed rooms and suites, ranging in size from 26 to 60 sq.m., offering guests spectacular views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus.
One of the most impressive features of Vision Omonia is its rooftop infinity pool, which offers panoramic views of the sights of Athens. In addition, the hotel has a gym, two meeting rooms and the innovative Finder`s Real Estate Hub.
Vision Omonia’s commitment to art is evident throughout its spaces. “7×7 Gallery”, curated by Mr. Kriton, transforms the hotel into a living gallery. Each of the seven floors is dedicated to a different artist, and each room hosts a unique piece of art, available for sale.
The hotel also innovates in technology, with the VISION APP allowing guests to manage every aspect of their stay via their mobile phone. From September 2024, Vision Omonia will also host BENEDICTS, a new culinary concept making its debut in Greece.
Vision Omonia is the first of a series of hotels that VISION Group plans to open in various areas of Athens and Crete. The company aims to fill the gap between traditional hotels and short-term rentals, offering a unique hospitality experience that combines Greek tradition with modern amenities.
With the opening of Vision Omonia, Athens gains a new destination that promises to offer visitors an authentic, artistic and luxurious experience in the heart of the city.
SETE: Tourism record in 2023 – New challenges for sustainable development in 2024
Greek tourism saw an impressive rise in 2023, with arrivals increasing by 6.1% to reach 36 million tourists, while revenues reached 20.6 billion. euros, marking an increase of 13%. This was announced by the president of SETE, Yiannis Paraschis, during the association’s regular General Assembly, characterizing 2023 as a “milestone year”.
Investments in the tourism sector in 2023 reached 5.1 billion. euros, twice as much as in 2019, underlining the significant contribution of the sector to the Greek economy. For 2024, Mr. Paraschis appeared modestly optimistic, with air arrivals in the first five months up 12.4%.
However, the president of SETE emphasized that the sector faces significant challenges. Sustainable development, tackling climate change and regulating short-term rentals emerged as critical issues. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for environmentally responsible tourism business, especially small and medium-sized businesses.
The president of INSET, G. Vernikos, underlined the importance of digital transformation, while the president of Aegean, E. Vassilakis, prioritized staff training and maintaining the quality of the tourist product.
Despite the positive outlook, industry leaders stressed that continued success should not be taken for granted. The need for strategic planning and cooperation between all involved bodies emerged as critical for maintaining the competitiveness of Greek tourism in the future.