Athens sees hotel investment surge and seasonal security concerns

Athens is experiencing a significant investment surge centered on the hospitality sector. For at least a decade, the city has seen a transformation in its center, from Syntagma to Omonoia Square, as international players and domestic groups seek to expand their hotel portfolios.

A major ongoing project involves the Sliman-Mela Mansion on Panepistimio Street. This historic 19th-century neoclassical building, designed by architect Ernst Ziller, is slated for a major transformation. The Mitsis Group has secured a 35-year exploitation contract through e-EFKA, with an investment budget of approximately 36 million euros to convert the landmark into a five-star hotel.

Separately, the seasonal exodus of residents during the mid-August period has highlighted security concerns in the Attica region. While official police data has not yet confirmed a total increase in burglaries during this specific period, documented incidents in areas such as Vyronas, Piraeus, and Voula have been reported. In Vyronas, burglars used corrosive liquid on locks to access apartments, while in Piraeus, police arrested two men caught in the act of a burglary.