Page 110 - ATHENS RIVIERA 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
influence

HOSPITALITY

TRAILBLAZER

The N’U Piraeus
T he Mitsis Group is Greece's largest privately owned Mitsis Group’s long
Port hotel is a key

milestone in the
hotel chain and a tourism pioneer for the past 48 years.
Renowned for exceptional service and unique locations, it
boasts 23 hotels and 13 spas and Thalassotherapy centres
across Greece's top destinations. Christina Mitsis, the
and exciting legacy
President of the Group, spoke to us about their expansion
plans, including the opening of Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port,
the acquisition of the 4-star Messonghi Beach Hotel, and
the signing of a 10-year management contract for the 3-star
Christina Mitsis
Belvedere Hotel in Corfu, among other properties.
With tourism recovered and your considerable experience as President in Greece. President
of the Mitsis Group, what are your predictions for the summer season
this year? breaks down her
In general, the positivity that started in 2022-23 continues. Trends have grown
both in terms of demand and the quality of products offered, which is better vision and plans.
every year. The higher income scale of inbound tourism is also important.
How do you see the progress of the Athenian Riviera brand that stretches
from Piraeus to Sounion? What assets does this Attican coastline offer Interview by ELSA SOIMIRI
as a tourist and business product?
The Athenian Riviera was famous in Ancient Greece from the 5th century BC.
But it was ignored later, the city linked to nothing more than the Parthenon and
Plaka. This unique 70km coastline, starting from the historic port of Piraeus
and reaching the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, wasn’t even mentioned.
The brand grew in recent years thanks to systematic and methodical efforts to
establish the name “Athens Riviera”, such as the creation of a beautiful album In the centre of Athens, a major investment programme is currently underway
for it by the world-renowned Assouline Publishing, thus putting us on the for the reformation, renovation, and modernisation of the Schliemann-Mela
international jet-setting map. Mansion into a 5-star luxury hotel. At the same time, the property will expand
The Athenian Riviera is an important tourist attraction, because it’s the only its use of the Ideal Cinema to include theatre and conferences. How much has
riviera in Europe located within a capital city. All others are on the periphery the heart of the capital's urban fabric changed?
– just like our countless mainland and island rivieras. Another important It's constantly changing. We have significant investments in new hotels, large, small,
factor is the area’s good weather, lasting 10 months of the year, combined with and luxurious. There’s an increase in demand for Athens to be a tourist destination
crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. all year round, and the potential is still great. Christina Mitsis
Which redevelopment project on the Athens waterfront are you most That’s why we undertook this important project, the Schliemann-Mela Mansion on in front of
looking forward to? Panepistimiou Street, a building by the famous Ernst Ziller. We want to highlight the the mural by
Firstly, I can’t wait for the major work being done at the Ellinikon to be historic structure and respect this great architect’s legacy in our country, which is why PHOTOGRAPHER: MARA DESIPRIS artist Yassonas
completed. There’s also the Urban Promenade, a project that will cross six all the building’s frescoes will be preserved, a difficult and time-consuming task. It’ll Megoulas (Cacao
municipalities, starting from Piraeus and Kallithea and reaching Vouliagmeni. be a hotel that adds lustre to the city, something unique. Rocks) in the
atrium of the
As an upgraded free public space dedicated to the entire basin’s pedestrians Finally, I’d like to mention the part that needs support from the state, namely new hotel, Mitsis
and cyclists, it will significantly improve the urban environment. infrastructure, such as sanitation, traffic, walking routes, and so on. > N’U Piraeus Port.

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