New $1.6 Billion Athens Resort Breaks Ground

Athens close to the new mega casino resort.

Hard Rock International, in collaboration with partner GEK TERNA Group, recently held a ground breaking ceremony for their ambitious luxury resort and casino project. The project, with an estimated cost of €1.5 billion ($1.65 billion), aims to redefine entertainment and tourism in Athens and become the first integrated resort of its kind in continental Europe.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, scheduled to open its doors in 2027, promises to offer an unparalleled luxury experience. It aims to blend world-class gaming facilities with upscale accommodations, premier meeting spaces, state-of-the-art entertainment venues, exceptional dining options, and high-end retail offerings. Inspired by Athens’s rich culture and the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape, the resort seeks to create a transformative experience for visitors.

At the heart of the resort will be an upscale hotel tower boasting 1,100 guest rooms. Visitors will have the choice of 15 dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. The resort will feature a world-class gaming floor with 180 tables and 1,500 gaming machines, providing an exhilarating environment for gaming enthusiasts.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens aims to cater to the needs of business travellers as well. The resort will offer a premier meeting and convention space, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and flexible event spaces. This will position Athens as a top destination for conferences, conventions, and corporate events.

Entertainment will be at the core of the resort’s offerings. A state-of-the-art entertainment venue will host world-renowned artists, ensuring unforgettable experiences for guests. From live performances to special events, the resort aims to captivate visitors with an eclectic array of entertainment options.

To cater to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the resort will feature a Rock Spa and Pool Complex. This sanctuary of wellness will offer a range of indulgent treatments and tranquil spaces. Additionally, a high-end retail promenade will provide a luxury shopping experience, featuring a curated selection of international brands.

The project aims to transform the historical Hellinikon Airport into a world-class redevelopment, further enhancing the city of Athens and Greece’s tourism industry. The construction project is expected to generate a substantial economic impact, creating 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs. This will significantly stimulate both the local economy of Athens and contribute positively to Greece’s broader economic landscape.

The ground breaking ceremony for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens was a momentous occasion, attended by Hard Rock International and GEK TERNA Group executives, Greek government officials, political dignitaries, and local community leaders. The event was held at the historical Hellinikon Airport, and it featured a commemorative shovel celebration followed by a ceremony at the Hellinikon Experience Center.

Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed his gratitude to the political leaders, partners at GEK TERNA, and the people of Athens for their support. He emphasized the significance of bringing Hard Rock’s unique brand of world-class entertainment to Athens and the positive impact it will have on the city.

Mr. George Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA Group, expressed his delight at the realization of this significant investment. He highlighted the project’s potential to become a reference point for Greece’s tourism product internationally, creating thousands of job opportunities and contributing substantial revenues to the national budget. The Integrated Resort Complex in Hellinikon is no longer a mere promise or vision but a project already under construction, demonstrating the commitment to fulfilling their promises.