The study tour kicked off with an evening cocktail reception at the Grand Hyatt Athens, setting the stage for a diverse series of sessions over the next two days. The morning featured a panel discussion on Greece’s real estate market evolution and growth post-economic crisis. Led by Ioannis Orfanos, Konstantinos Markogiannakis, Eri Mitsostergiou, and Pavlos Gennimatas, the panel delved into topics such as Greece’s economic recovery, the impact of tourism, and the necessity of repurposing real estate to meet evolving demands. 

Participants then made their way to the site visit of the Piraeus Tower, a long-abandoned structure undergoing rejuvenation. Led by Natalis Petrovits and Ilias Papageorgiou, participants had the opportunity to witness the transformation of the tower, a project aspiring to set a benchmark with its LEED certification and sustainable design practices. 

The session on “Pioneering the Path Forward in Response to Climate Change” addressed the pressing need for heat mitigation strategies in urban planning to combat the effects of global warming. The panel, featuring Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer to UN Habitat; Meghan Meriot Johnson, Director on Hines Europe’s ESG team; and Simon Chinn, Vice President, Research & Advisory Services at the Urban Land Institute explored strategies for protecting cities and humanity from the impacts of climate change. 

The Institutionalizing Greek Hospitality fireside chat provided valuable insights into the evolution of Greek hospitality, moving from family-run businesses to institutional investments. Moderated by Konstantikos Santikos, the discussion with Tassos Kotzanastassis, an expert in Greek and European hospitality, shed light on the transition’s local and foreign perspectives. 

Next, Nicholas Vianellis, showcased the development The Ex-Hilton Hotel project redevelopment project. This multifaceted development, with luxury hospitality, private residences, a members’ club, culinary concepts, and a city-center pool landscape, aims to attract a diverse international audience while offering a unique experience to locals. The project aligns with strict environmental principles, aiming for at least LEED Gold certification. 

Day two commenced with a workshop on the UrbanPlan Programme, providing hands-on experience for young professionals in property development. The day continued with engaging sessions and a visit to the Ellinikon Project, Europe’s largest urban regeneration initiative. Attendees explored the project, emphasizing its contributions to tourism, culture, entrepreneurship, innovation, and environmental considerations. 

The 2023 ULI Autumn Study Tour in Athens delivered a comprehensive overview of Greece’s real estate landscape. Covering market evolution, climate change response, urban regeneration projects, and the transformation of hospitality, participants gained valuable insights and experiences that will contribute to their understanding of Athens’ dynamic real estate environment.