Gerasimos Strintzis, who has made a name for himself in the Greek coastal shipping industry, is investing in expanding his presence in the domestic hotel sector, and has now launched a new tourism project worth €8.75 million in his hometown of Kefalonia.
Through the company “Apollonion Hotel Enterprises S.A.,” where he serves as chairman and CEO, G. Strintzis is promoting the construction of a new 5-star hotel in Lixouri, in the Palliki area, at the “Megas Lakkos” site.
According to the plans, the new facility will have a capacity of 137 beds and is expected to be a significant addition to the hotel capacity of this Ionian island. The project is currently undergoing the environmental permitting process. In this context, the relevant authorities have requested the submission of additional information in order to complete the review of the application.
According to a relevant document from the Decentralized Administration of the Peloponnese, Western Greece, and the Ionian Islands, the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the new five-star hotel complex was deemed incomplete with regard to certain supporting documents and technical data, which the company "Apollonion Hotel Enterprises S.A."
Among other things, information is requested regarding the facility’s traffic connection to the road network, supplementary documents regarding the existing building permit, topographic diagrams with the necessary digital signatures, as well as additional technical information regarding the disposal of treated wastewater from the biological treatment plant. At the same time, the authorities are requesting a thorough examination of the project’s potential impact on watercourses in the area, as part of the environmental assessment.
The Project
According to the investor’s plan, the hotel will be developed on a site of nearly 50 acres. The complex will consist of 11 accommodation buildings and a central building for shared facilities.
The facilities will include reception areas, a business center, a library, a bar, a restaurant, a multipurpose hall, a gym, a wellness center, and mechanical rooms, which are expected to create a comprehensive tourism product targeting the high-end market.
A key feature of the development will be the creation of an extensive leisure zone with a water park. This area will feature three swimming pools, water slides for children and teenagers, as well as a 180-meter-long “lazy river.” The main pool will have an area of nearly 300 square meters, while the two additional pools will cater to different age groups.
The total budget for the project amounts to 8.75 million euros. Of this amount, 5.8 million euros are allocated to the building facilities, €820,000 for landscaping, €1.13 million for mechanical equipment and specialized technical installations, and €930,000 for other equipment, while additional expenses are anticipated for transportation and consulting services.
According to the EIA, the goal of the investment is to attract high-quality tourism through top-tier services and modern facilities, while incorporating innovative environmental practices. It is estimated that the project will contribute to upgrading the region’s tourism product, create new jobs during both construction and operation, and boost demand for local products and services.
Who is Gerasimos Strintzis
Gerasimos Strintzis is one of the most well-known figures in Greek coastal shipping, as his name is inextricably linked to the modernization of the industry and the growth of the family-owned company Strintzis Lines, which for decades has been a leading player on the Ionian, Aegean, and Adriatic routes.
Born in Lixouri, Kefalonia, and a graduate of the London School of Foreign Trade, he joined the family business in 1971, gradually taking over its management as CEO and subsequently as chairman.
Under his leadership, Strintzis Lines evolved into one of the country’s most important shipping companies. The Strintzis family had already made its mark in the 1960s with the launch of the “Agios Gerasimos” and later the historic ferry “Kefalonia.”
Following the sale of Strintzis Lines in 2000, G. Strintzis remained active in the shipping industry, taking on key roles at the subsequent Blue Star Ferries and later at Hellenic Seaways.
In recent years, he has turned his attention to tourism, founding “Apollonion Hotel Enterprises S.A.” and investing in the development of luxury hotel properties in his native Kefalonia.
It should be noted that G. Strintzis, through “Apollonion Hotel Enterprises S.A.,” owns another hotel in Kefalonia, the Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa. According to the annual financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year, the company secured €10.5 million in financing in June 2025, which was earmarked for the expansion of this hotel.
In 2024, “Apollonion Hotel Enterprises S.A.” recorded an increase in its turnover, with revenue reaching €6.7 million, up from €6.25 million in 2023. The company, however, remained unprofitable, with net losses amounting to €1.06 million compared to €955,000 in the previous fiscal year. At the operating level, the picture was positive, as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased to €1.87 million from €1.69 million in 2023.