Interview – Alexandros Angelopoulos: ‘The Ilis Congress Center is a Game-changer for Greek Conference Tourism’

The Aldemar Olympian Village in Ilia, West Peloponnese.

With the launch of the Ilis Congress Center at the five-star Aldemar Olympian Village, Aldemar Resorts is setting a new standard for conference tourism in Western Greece.

Boasting an impressive 9,400 square meters of space and a capacity to host up to 3,000 attendees, the center is not only one of the largest in Greece but also a trailblazer in sustainability.

Alexandros Angelopoulos

“Ilis is the first energy-autonomous conference center, meeting the modern need for sustainable practices that respect the environment, people, and society,” Aldemar Resorts CEO Alexandros Angelopoulos tells GTP Headlines.

Located in Ilia in Western Greece, a region rich in history, natural beauty, and accessibility via Patras Port and Araxos Airport, the Ilis Congress Center fills a significant gap in conference infrastructure for the area.

The Ilis Congress Center has already made its mark, hosting 26 diverse events and welcoming over 4,300 attendees since its opening earlier this year.

“The center has already established itself as a hub for high-profile events, with a warm reception from both the local community and the conference market,” according to Angelopoulos.

Looking ahead, Aldemar Resorts is focused on expanding the Ilis Congress Center’s reach. “For 2025, our goal is to further establish the Ilis Congress Center as a leading venue, attracting events from across Greece and Europe. Several exciting collaborations are already confirmed,” says Angelopoulos, further positioning the venue as a key player on the international conference scene.

Under the leadership of Angelopoulos, who has been at the helm of the family business since 1995, Aldemar Resorts continues to shape the future of tourism in Greece.

With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and regional development, the company is a driving force in promoting Greece as a top-tier destination for hospitality and conference tourism.

• GTP: What inspired the decision to develop the Ilis Congress Center at Aldemar Olympian Village, and what were the key factors that led to this investment?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: For over 35 years, we have been deeply rooted in the destination of Ilia, understanding its people and appreciating its vast potential. Ilia boasts a favorable climate, fertile land, natural wealth, rich cultural heritage, and significant capacity for sustainable development. These factors, combined with the absence of modern conference and exhibition infrastructure in Western Greece and the area’s excellent accessibility, were decisive in our decision to pursue this investment.

• GTP: Can you describe the unique capabilities and features of the Ilis Congress Center that set it apart from other conference venues in Greece?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: Spanning 9,400 square meters with a capacity of up to 3,000 attendees, the Ilis Congress Center is one of the largest in Greece. Its versatile spaces meet international standards and can accommodate conferences, exhibitions, and various events.
What truly sets it apart, however, is its sustainability. The Ilis Congress Center is the first energy-autonomous venue of its kind in Greece. Its design incorporates geothermal energy, thermal facades, heat pumps, and a 1 MW photovoltaic power station on the roof, addressing the growing need for sustainable practices that respect the environment, people, and society.

• GTP: Since its opening, how has the Ilis Congress Center performed in terms of hosting conferences and events this year? Are there any notable highlights?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: The Ilis Congress Center has proven its potential from the outset, and we are delighted with the positive reception it has received. Since its opening this spring, it has hosted 26 diverse events, welcoming 4,307 attendees in total. One highlight was the Panhellenic Dental Congress, the largest event of the year in terms of attendance and scale, showcasing the venue’s capacity and versatility.

• GTP: What are your expectations for the Ilis Congress Center in the upcoming year? Are there specific events or conferences that you are particularly looking forward to?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: For 2025, our goal is to further establish the Ilis Congress Center as a leading venue, attracting events from across Greece and Europe. Several exciting collaborations are already confirmed, including the international Salsa Festival, which will host 1,000–1,500 participants over five days. Other notable events include the Panhellenic Pulmonology Congress with 750 attendees and a six-day visit by the Italian company Alleanza, bringing approximately 900 participants.

• GTP: How does the location of Aldemar Olympian Village in Ilia influence tourism dynamics, particularly in terms of congress tourism?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: The Ilis Congress Center bridges a significant gap in the western corridor of Greece, offering state-of-the-art facilities in a region with immense tourism potential. With the new highway, the port of Patras, and Araxos Airport, the area has gained strategic importance. This infrastructure, coupled with Ilia’s natural and cultural assets, positions it as an emerging hub for congress tourism, capable of drawing visitors from Greece and abroad.

• GTP: What role do you see conference tourism playing in the broader context of tourism in Greece and the Region of Western Greece specifically?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional conferences and professional meetings have made a strong comeback, underscoring their enduring value. Demand is high, yet Greece needs to focus on creating supply and fostering the right conditions to become a leading destination for conference tourism. While private initiatives like the Ilis Congress Center are advancing this cause, a cohesive national strategy is essential.
Conference tourism is particularly impactful in extending the tourism season, a key objective for both Greece as a whole and Western Greece. For Ilia, conference tourism also helps raise the region’s profile, addressing its relatively low tourist traffic. The Ilis Congress Center is a vital step toward establishing Western Greece as a prominent player in this sector.

• GTP: Can you share any insights on how the local community and businesses are responding to the new conference center?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: From the construction phase to its current operations, the local community and economy have been integral to the success of the Ilis Congress Center. Aldemar Resorts prioritized local employment and collaborated with regional and national suppliers, reflecting our commitment to fostering Greek business partnerships.
The community’s enthusiasm was evident during our first open house event last October, even before the center officially opened. Local authorities, community members, and conference buyers expressed overwhelming support for this modern, large-scale venue. Since then, the Ilis Congress Center has become a regional landmark, attracting one event after another, largely through word of mouth.

• GTP: What steps is Aldemar Resorts taking to ensure that the Ilis Congress Center meets international standards and attracts high-profile events?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: With over 35 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Aldemar Resorts is well-versed in delivering excellence across accommodations, gastronomy, wellness, and conference tourism. We continuously monitor international and domestic trends, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve and meet our guests’ evolving needs. Additionally, strategic partnerships with prominent stakeholders in Greece and abroad are key to securing high-profile events and maintaining our competitive edge.

• GTP: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Aldemar Resorts and its contributions to the tourism sector in Western Greece? Are there any future projects or expansions in the pipeline?
  

Alexandros Angelopoulos: We are already planning the largest green settlement in Greece, designed to enhance the environment and exemplify sustainable living. This project will reflect a modern approach to hospitality, emphasizing relaxation, personal growth, and family development in harmony with nature.
As I’ve often stated, the future of hospitality requires a departure from traditional models. Instead of focusing solely on development, we must prioritize evolving ourselves and our practices. By leveraging Ilia’s unique strengths, our vision is to transform the region into a benchmark for sustainable residential hospitality.

Details on the Ilis Congress Center can be found here.