Wyndham Expands Greece Portfolio with New Hotel Addition

The Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon and Ramada Loutraki Poseidon resorts in Loutraki. Photo source: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels in more than 95 countries, is soon expected to add a 14th unit to its portfolio in Greece.

Although specific details have not yet been disclosed, the new hotel will be located in northern Greece and operate under one of Wyndham’s brands already present in the Greek market.

Speaking to journalists during a recent media briefing in Loutraki, the company’s Regional Director for South and East Europe, Vassilis Themelidis, stated that the new addition to Wyndham’s Greek portfolio marks the first step this year in the further expansion of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Greek hotel market.

“The messages we are receiving from Greece are particularly encouraging, and we have a keen interest in new additions to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio,” he said.

Swimming pool, joint premises of the Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon and Ramada Loutraki Poseidon resorts in Loutraki. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

According to Themelidis, Wyndham’s business plan includes strengthening its presence in both popular and lesser-known Greek destinations, on the mainland and the islands.

Moreover, the hotel chain also plans to integrate some of its existing properties under other Wyndham brands, following necessary adaptations, such as Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels.

“We are also interested in boosting our presence in the branded residences market,” he added.

It is worth noting that the company currently operates one such unit, the Wyndham Athens Residence, in the center of Athens.

The Wyndham Athens Residence is one of the 13 units in Wyndham’s portfolio in Greece, which also includes Ajul in Halkidiki; Ramada and Dolce on the Attica Riviera; Akti Imperial Dolce on Rhodes; Ramada Plaza in Alexandroupoli; TRYP in Dasia on Corfu; Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay in Lasithi; Lazart in Thessaloniki; Ramada and Wyndham Poseidon in Loutraki; and Wyndham Grand Athens and Athens Key Hotel in the capital. Eight of the Wyndham-branded hotels are managed by  Zeus International.

Investments Wrapping Up at Resorts in Loutraki

Comer Group Hotels Commercial Director Yiannis Tsekouras, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Regional Director for South and East Europe Vassilis Themelidis and Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon Resort and Ramada Loutraki Poseidon Resort General Manager Pavlos Panagiotopoulos. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

During the media briefing, the hotel manager of the Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon Resort and Ramada Loutraki Poseidon Resort, Pavlos Panagiotopoulos, gave an update on the third phase of renovations taking place at the two Wyndham-branded hotels.

Owned by Irish Comer Group Hotels, both resorts are located in Loutraki have a total capacity of 320 rooms, of which 17 have private pools and 12 have jacuzzis. According to Panagiotopoulos, investments amounting to 5 million euros have been made to date.

“Eighty percent of the renovation projects of the two resorts have been completed,” he said, adding that the new Anemos Seaside Restaurant on the premises will soon be completed.

“Following the third phase of renovations, we will proceed with an energy upgrade of the facilities, based on the Wyndham Green certification program, with the two resorts becoming the company’s first in Greece to be certified as green,” Panagiotopoulos said.

The two seasonal resorts opened their doors for the first time this season in March, aiming to operate until Christmas as part of efforts to extend the tourist season,” Panagiotopoulos stated.

The entrance to the Ramada Loutraki Poseidon Resort in Loutraki. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

In terms of source markets, the Ramada Loutraki Poseidon Resort primarily serves customers from tour operators in France, Scandinavia, Poland, and Serbia. On the other hand, the Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon Resort attracts guests from various nationalities and is particularly active in the MICE segment, hosting conferences and events.

A notable upcoming event at the resort is the wedding reception of the daughter of an Indian billionaire, which will exclusively book the hotel for a three-day celebration. This event is expected to generate a turnover of approximately 500,000 euros.

“After the pandemic, travelers want experiences and Greece can cater to this demand,” said Wyndham’s Regional Director for South and East Europe, Vassilis Themelidis.

Joint premises of the Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon and Ramada Loutraki Poseidon resorts in Loutraki. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

He also highlighted Wyndham’s objectives, which include enhancing bookings from the US market and attracting more visitors from emerging markets such as Central Asia, Latin America, and India.

In terms of performance, executives from Wyndham and Comer report a notable 40 percent increase in the annual turnover of both resorts in recent years. Furthermore, they anticipate a further 25 percent increase for the upcoming season based on advanced bookings. Currently, the hotels employ 152 staff members, with an anticipated increase to 190 during peak season.

Joint premises of the Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon and Ramada Loutraki Poseidon resorts in Loutraki. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Talent Hub

Wyndham has plans to create a talent hub in Athens in the near future to develop the market and support the hotels under its brands.

Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Hellenic Open University, envisioning the development of scientific and administrative partnerships and the joint organization of activities such as conferences and events.

As part of the memorandum, Wyndham will place special focus on its cooperation with the Hellenic Open University’s Tourism Business Management post-graduate program.

Wyndham’s portfolio includes approximately 9,200 hotels with a capacity of 876,000 rooms in more than 95 countries, while the company manages a portfolio of 25 brands. The Wyndham Rewards program, voted the best by readers of USA Today and U.S. News & World Report, offers over 108 million registered members the opportunity to redeem points at hotels and resorts.