The beginning of a partnership with broader implications in the hospitality sector is marked by Dimand's agreement with Hilton for the American chain's first hotel in Thessaloniki, Hilton Thessaloniki, which will be developed on the historic property of the former FIX brewery.
Dimand's intention to strengthen its cooperation with the international chain was expressed by the vice chairman and chief executive officer of the real estate development company, Dimitris Andriopoulos, in the context of the announcement of the deal with Hilton, noting that the two sides are in discussions to expand their cooperation to two new projects.
Moreover, Dimand's strategy for the coming years places particular emphasis on the further strengthening of its portfolio in the hospitality sector, through the development of new hotel projects.
At present, Dimand's portfolio in the hospitality sector includes Moxy Athens City and Moxy Patras Marina, while the company is also promoting the “mixed use project” at the former American base in Gournes of Heraklion, Crete, which is in the planning phase and provides for the creation of a modern hub of commercial and tourist activities on an area of approximately 345,000 sq.m.
It is noted that Dimand acted as development manager in the context of the modernization of the “Asteria” complex in Glyfada for the development of One & Only Aesthesis.
Hilton's entry into Thessaloniki
The management agreement signed yesterday by Dimand and the international chain for Hilton Thessaloniki in the context of the regeneration project of the FIX complex, an investment of 196 million euros, marks the arrival of the Hilton brand in Thessaloniki.
This agreement, with a duration of 25 years, is highly symbolic. It aspires to change the position of Greece's second-largest city on the international tourism and conference map, while also acting as a catalyst for the overall redevelopment of the city's western entrance.
“The arrival of Hilton signifies much more than the development of a new hotel. It is expected to constitute a key link in the overall regeneration of the western entrance of Thessaloniki, in an area that is gradually being transformed into a new business and cultural hub. It is particularly important for a cultural space to be accompanied by a hotel unit of such scale,” stressed in the context of the presentation of the agreement Dimitris Andriopoulos, chief executive officer of Dimand, describing the agreement as “important and symbolic” for the northern Greek city.
“We want the existence of the hotel to function as the initial stimulus for someone from the country or from abroad to visit the city,” said the head of Dimand, reminding that today only 5% of the city's 150 hotels, that is seven units, operate under international brands.
The new hotel, with a capacity of 184 rooms and suites, will be developed in two buildings, one existing and one that will be built from the ground up. In the new building, with an area of approximately 11,250 sq.m., 153 rooms will be developed, while the remaining 31 rooms will be housed in the listed building of the former brewery, with a total area of approximately 7,000 sq.m.
Works on the first phase have already begun by METKA, with the completion timeline set for 2029. However, as the head of Dimand explained, the exact timetable will depend on excavation and retaining works.
The head of Dimand's Hospitality department, Nikos Trikourakis, described the agreement with Hilton as a particularly important moment for Greek tourism, noting that the presence of the group's most recognizable brand in the FIX project is expected to upgrade the city's position overall.
As he noted, this is not the first time Hilton has changed the data of an area, reminding that the brand's presence in Athens contributed decisively to the emergence of an entire neighborhood, which became identified with the chain's name.
“Hilton Thessaloniki is not coming to compete with Thessaloniki, but to strengthen its position as an international destination. The investment will act as a development lever for the city, creating new jobs, opening roads to new markets and strengthening its momentum on the international conference map,” he said characteristically.
It is recalled that in the context of the redevelopment of FIX, a new residential complex will also be built that will include 96 bioclimatic apartments in a 9-story building. Referring to the residential leg of the development, D. Andriopoulos revealed that Dimand has already started, without publicity, the presales of the apartments included in the project.
“We initially wanted to test the product and the demand. We have already signed, with down payments, 10 agreements and all the buyers are Greeks from Northern Greece. The feedback we receive helps us shape our strategy for the next phase,” he said.
Indeed, regarding the possibility of developing branded residences under Hilton's umbrella, he noted that no final decision has yet been made. As he explained, the company will evaluate the course of demand and the extent to which such an option is consistent with the overall philosophy and operation of the development.
This specific project is part of the investments Dimand is “running” in Thessaloniki, spearheaded by HUB 26, the first large-scale bioclimatic business park in Northern Greece.
Hilton's plans
The strategic importance that Hilton attributes to the Greek market was highlighted in turn by the chain's executives, noting that our country is currently the most dynamic development market for the group in Southern Europe.
“The agreement for Hilton Thessaloniki is not only about a new hotel, but constitutes a vote of confidence in Thessaloniki and Northern Greece. We are interested in the city because it is a multicultural place,” stressed Andreas Koukas, Senior Director, Development, Greece & Cyprus of Hilton.
As he noted, Hilton seeks to further strengthen its presence in Northern Greece, while it is overall interested in expanding its investment plans in urban centers, but also in less promoted island destinations.
“Greece is a market of strategic importance for Hilton and it is our fastest-growing market in Southern Europe. In six years we went from one hotel to a portfolio of 71 units, including those under development,” said Alan Mantin, Vice President Development of Hilton for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
He also pointed out that Greece is now evolving into a destination that goes beyond the traditional “sun and sea” model. “Greece is not only its islands. Athens has developed impressively as a city destination and we believe that Thessaloniki has all the prerequisites to follow the same path. It is a gateway to the Balkans and has a strong gastronomic and cultural identity”, he noted.
Identity
Hilton is one of the leading international hospitality companies, with a portfolio of 28 world-class international brands that includes more than 9,200 hotels and over 1.3 million rooms in 144 countries and territories.
As regards the company's presence in Greece, Hilton currently has a portfolio of 71 hotels, of which 50 are already in operation, while the rest are under development.