Greeks green-light Athens new-builds
The Greek government has approved 28 applications to build luxury hotels in Athens, lifting a 14-year ban on new developments in the city.
The move comes three years before the city is due to host the 2004 Olympic Games.
Hilton, Holiday Inn and Marriott, as well as the Greek Orthodox Church and the pension fund of the National Bank of Greece, are among the groups to be granted permits to build hotels in the densely populated capital.
The International Olympic Committee agreed with the Greek government that at least 9,000 new luxury hotel bedrooms would be necessary if Greece was to successfully host the Games. The 28 hotels would account for 6,768 luxury and first-class bedrooms.
Another 42 applications, representing a further 8,300 bedrooms, are being reviewed by the country's development ministry.
Plans are also under way to build a 1,500-bedroom hotel at the coastal resort of Anavyssos, south-east of Athens.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 10-16 May 2001