The Hilton group is gearing up for further expansion in Greece. In June, the next stop will be Mykonos, where the new hotel under the Curio Collection brand will be built.
Greece is considered key to the group's strategic development, according to Hilton's executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Mr Simon Vincent.
Vincent, with other high-ranking executives of the group, visited Greece last week and met with hotel owners.
Among them was Achilleas Konstantakopoulos of the TE.MES group, a major shareholder in the Olayan group of "Ioniki Hotel Enterprises." Ioniki Hotel Enterprises owns the historic former Hilton on Vasilissis Sofia Avenue in Athens, which has recently been approved to be completely renovated into a 5-star hospitality, residence, leisure, and entertainment centre.
According to Vincent, responsible for over 1,000 units in operation and under planning in 70 countries, the group's plan for Greece includes doubling its presence in the coming years.
The new Conrad Athens
Athens will have the first Conrad hotel in Greece, and the Hilton group's executives will oversee the progress of the project with Mr Konstantakopoulos.
The new "Conrad Athens" is due to open in 2025, following the investment currently underway by Ioniki Hotel. It is expected to exceed 300 million euros in value.
It should be noted that very recently, just a few days ago, on May 16, a joint decision was signed by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr Kostis Hatzidakis, Deputy Minister Mr Haris Theocharis and Minister of Culture, Mr Linas Mendonis, approving the donation contract of over 343,000 euros (without VAT) between the Greek State, as the recipient, and Ioniki Hotel Enterprises S.A. as a donor, to finance the cost of hiding equipment on the roof of the National Gallery located opposite the historic hotel property on Vasilissa Sofia street.
For Mr Simon Vincent, Conrad Athens is one of the group's most "exciting, new developments" at the moment.
Hilton's executive vice president also visited the hotels that recently joined the group's umbrella following the franchise partnership with the Israeli management chain of Brown Hotels, the Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, one hour outside of Athens and the units in Crete, Isla Brown Chania Resort Curio Collection by Hilton as well as Chania Flair Boutique Hotel Tapestry Collection by Hilton, The Royal Senses Curio Collection by Hilton, NUMO Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete Curio Collection by Hilton and Domes Aulus Elounda All Inclusive Resort Curio Collection by Hilton.
The brands "Tapestry" and "Curio Collection" are the most recent additions to the American hotel giant's portfolio in our country, following agreements with hotel owners. They are also offered for conversions of existing hotels.
In Greece, the group's new addition—bringing the number of units in its portfolio to nine—arrives in Mykonos at the beginning of June with the 5-star Semeli Coast Mykonos, Curio Collection by Hilton
The resort offers multiple accommodation options, including suites with private infinity pools and ultra-luxurious villas for even longer stays.
In total, Hilton is opening ten new resorts this summer in popular Mediterranean island destinations, including Greece, Ibiza, and Malta.
Hilton is a leading global hospitality player with a portfolio of 22 commercial companies, including nearly 7,500 properties and over 1.2 million rooms in 126 countries and territories.
Stefania Souki is a columnist for New Money. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
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