Concession Deal Signed for Edessa Xenia Hotel

As part of its drive to capitalize on dozens of public assets, the Public Properties Company (ETAD) announced this week that it had finalized a concession deal for the former Xenia Hotel in Edessa, Central Macedonia, with construction firm Elterga.

More specifically, ETAD CEO Stefanos Vlastos and Elterga President and Managing Director Paraskevas Tsampras signed the agreement which applies for a period of 30 years with the option to extend by an additional 20 years.

The Edessa property belonged to the national Xenia hotel chain, operated by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

The aim, said Vlastos, is to convert the Xenia into a modern hotel unit that will contribute to the tourist development of Edessa and the wider region of Central Macedonia. 

The investment – up on the going price up by 55 percent – is budgeted at more than 3.5 million euros and foresees the facility’s reconstruction into a 4-star or above hotel with a capacity of 40 rooms, restaurant, gym, spa, indoor and outdoor pools.

“After years of neglect, today we managed to take the first step, to give new lease on life to the Xenia Edessa for the benefit of the city. We are particularly pleased that through our cooperation with a group of companies experienced in the field of hotels and construction we will contribute to its revival and significantly stimulate the tourist and economic development of the region,” said Vlastos.

“We are very pleased as the signing of the contract gives us the opportunity to proceed with the reconstruction of an important property of great architectural value that is a landmark for the city of Edessa,” said Tsampras.

The Edessa Xenia was constructed in 1963 by architect Iason Rizos and is located in the heart of Macedonia near the Kaimaktsalan Ski Center, Lake Agra and the traditional settlement of Agios Athanasios.

Xenia history

From 1950 to 1974, the GNTO carried out a program of hotel and motel construction to boost Greece’s tourism development.

The Xenia hotels were known by their high quality and aesthetics and constructed within the framework of a tourism policy that aimed for Greece’s economic development.

Built in prime locations, they had an ideal positioning, combined indoor with open-air spaces, internal patios and courtyards, large windows, balconies that offered the best views of each location.

Over 40 “Xenias” constituted a unique network of complexes that boasted excellent architecture and construction.