PM Mitsotakis attends event to present 'The Ilisian' - the new name of the former Athens Hilton

The refurbished former Hilton Hotel on Vassilisis Sofias Avenue, for decades a landmark of the Greek capital, is to reopen as 'The Ilisian' after a period of extensive renovation. The new name was presented on Thursday at an event attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and, according to TEMES Group President and main shareholder of Ionian Hotel Enterprises S.A. Achilleas Konstantakopoulos, it was inspired by the local neighbourhood of Ilisia, where the building is located.

Addressing the event, Mitsotakis noted that such investments turn the government's vision for quality, sustainable year-round tourism that respects the residential environment into action, while highlighting its multiple benefits for the Greek economy, which he said would reach 1.25 billion euros in five years.

Konstantakopoulos said the investment will exceed 340 million euros and that the goal was to create a new and versatile destination, not just a hotel offering hospitality services.

"For 61 years, the Hilton was an iconic landmark in the city. With respect for its unique legacy and architecture, we wish that it will continue to serve as a pole of attraction for all," he said.

Analysing the benefits of the new destination for Athens, Piraeus University Professor Nikos Georgakopoulos said that a study conducted by the university on the first five years of its operation estimated that the effect of the construction work will amount to 450 million euros, that of the guests staying at 'The Ilisian' will amount to 749 million euros, while the commercial activity will amount to 75 million euros. It will also help to directly and indirectly create a total of 1760 jobs.

The prime minister said the renamed hotel will act as a bridge uniting past and present "that leads the capital to a more hopeful future", creating a year-round destination that combines gastronomy with entertainment, art, sports and wellbeing. He particularly thanked Konstantakopoulos for his role, energy and vision in bringing this about.