AT H E N S
From left: Funky Gourmet; The Clumsies; Dionysos Zonar’s; Wyndham Athens Residence; Wyndham Athens Residence Below: Grand Resort Lagonissi
ATHENS’ SPIKE IN
TOURISTS HAS PROMPTED
MAJOR HOTEL INVESTMENT
32,000 visitors and, completed in 2016, is Athens’ newest conference building. For something a little different, the Athinais Cultural
Centre is a 6,500 sqm venue in a carefully restored former silk factory, with a capacity of 300. Or the Cube, a large glass innovation centre located in the heart of Athens, with eight meeting rooms, exhibition space and co- working
areas.Meanwhile, the Glyfada Golf Club, 12km from the city centre, offers five spaces for events of up to 1,000 people. Following Greece’s financial crash in 2008, the
mainland’s airports were sold to the German-owned Fraport Group, which took over the operation of 14 runways in a 40-year €1.2 billion deal that will see the firm spend a further €400 million upgrading facilities. Athens’ Piraeus port is a popular spot for cruise lines. It receives one million cruise passengers every year and, having been sold to China Cosco Shipping in 2016, will receive €500 million investment to improve facilities as part of the deal. Tis, plus €10.3 billion in EU funding has given Athens a renewed sense of optimism. According to data from Athens International Airport,
its passenger traffic exceeded 8 million during the first five months of 2018 – a year-on-year increase of 10.9 per cent. And, during the first four months of this year, hotel occupancy rates were 5.3 per cent up on 2017. Athens’ spike in tourists has
prompted major hotel investment. Te new Four Seasons Astir Palace, located on the revived Athens Riviera, looks set to become the city’s hottest new destination when it opens in March. It features two buildings – the Nafsika, with 110 rooms and 22 suites, and the Arion, which has 102
16 | NOVEMBER 2018
rooms and 20 suites. Te Palace also has 58 remodelled bungalows, with access to the same private beach where Hollywood star Bridget Bardot posed in her hot pink bikini in the 1960s.
FUNKY GOURMET An experimental restaurant that gives Greek food a dramatic makeover, this bistro has two Michelin stars under its belt. Te Athens diner also offers a glass-roofed dining room on top of the neoclassical building, which accommodates more than 30 diners.
funkygourmet.com/en
THE CLUMSIES BAR Tis unique watering hole was recently awarded the title of one of the Best Bars in the World. Te Room, featuring a fireplace, bookcase, billiard table and vinyl LPs, can be hired our for small-scale events for up to ten guests.
theclumsies.gr
DIONYSOS ZONAR’S A stone’s throw from awe-inspiring Greek ruins, this 50-year-old venue offers a superb view of the city. Te restaurant has plush indoor and outdoor settings, with young and talented chefs that rustle up mouth-watering and traditional Greek cuisine. Te perfect spot for a working lunch or dinner.
dionysoszonars.gr
WYNDHAM ATHENS RESIDENCE Tis city-centre new build has 89 modern suites with kitchenettes, and a rooſtop outdoor pool and restaurant. It utilises the event space of its sister hotel, the Wyndham Grand Athens, which can host 1,270 delegates for a conference.
wyndhamhotels.com
More information:
athensconventionbureau.gr
ISTOCK
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