Hyatt Hotels Aiming to Expand More in Greece, Invest in Lesser-known Destinations

(from left to right) Hyatt Hotels Corporation Group President EAME Javier Aguila, Hyatt Hotels Corporation Global President of Operations Charles Floyd, outgoing Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Hyatt Hotels Corporation Global President & CEO Mark Hoplamazian at the Greek Tourism Ministry in Athens. Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

US hospitality giant Hyatt Hotels Corporation reiterated its plans to boost its presence on the Greek market and invest in lesser-known destinations.

The news was announced during a recent meeting between representatives from Hyatt Hotels Corporation Group including Javier Aguila (President EAME), Charles Floyd (Global President of Operations), Mark Hoplamazian (Global President & CEO) and outgoing tourism minister Vassilis Kikilias.

Aguila said that Hyatt was planning to further strengthen its presence in Greece, a country that has successfully promoted alternative and lesser-known destinations, “real diamonds” which are worth visiting.

The announcement comes months after Hyatt-owned Apple Leisure Group (ALG) expressed interest in further enhancing and developing its presence in Greece, adding more Greek hotels to the luxury ‘Inclusive Collection’.

Earlier this month, the Chicago-based hospitality group announced that a Hyatt affiliate would be expanding the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts brand of the Inclusive Collection to Greece. The luxury resort is set to open at Sani in Halkidiki in mid-2024 and expected to bolster Hyatt’s continued luxury brand growth in Europe.

Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki. Photo source: World of Hyatt

Aguila went on to praise the Greek Tourism Ministry for its strategy which led to the country’s full post-Covid recovery and to the upgrade of its tourism product. He also added that Greece’s “comparative advantage” was its potential to attract travelers all year round, a goal which is being achieved.

Hyatt’s portfolio in Greece currently includes the Grand Hyatt Athens, the first Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the country and first Hyatt hotel in the Greek capital, and the Hyatt Regency in Thessaloniki. Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the Dreams Corfu, the AluaSoul Zakynthos and the Zoëtry Halkidiki (to open in 2024).

Hyatt’s latest addition in the Greek market is the Magma Resort Santorini, the first Hyatt-branded resort on the Greek islands. The luxury resort, with a capacity of 59 luxury rooms, including 24 suites, is part of the ‘Unbound Collection by Hyatt’ and opened its doors last August.

In relevant news, Ioanna Dretta, former CEO at Marketing Greece has been appointed interim tourism minister as part of the current non-political caretaker government which will remain in power until the second round of Greek national elections on June 25.