Aria Hotels enters Colombia, transforming historic properties into luxury hotels, combining Greek hospitality and local culture.
The Aria Hotels announce their entry into its market Colombia. The move marks the company’s first international expansion, a milestone in its path to international development and the search for new strategic opportunities beyond Greek borders.
Aria Hotels will transform two historic properties in Colombia into luxury hotels, combining unparalleled Greek hospitality with the modern amenities that characterize them. These renovations will highlight the timeless charm of the spaces while honoring Greek and Colombian culture, creating a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern aesthetics. The first hotel is expected to welcome guests in mid-2026.
from right Yorgos Logothetis – President of Libra Group, Maria Correa – Manager of Aria Colombia, Makis Pantazatos, CEO of Aria Hotels, Nikos Koutsopodiotis, Head of Operations,
The announcement was made on September 23, 2024 as part of Concordia’s annual summit in New Yorkin the presence of its chairman Libra groupmr George Logothetisand the former president of Colombia, Mr. Ivan Duke. The decision to expand in Colombia was honored during this iconic meeting, highlighting the strong cultural and economic ties that unite Greece and Colombia, while reinforcing the group’s vision for international development.
One of the first hotels will be named “Aria Maria”, in tribute to the personal friendship between Mr. Logothetis and the former president of Colombia, Mr. Duque. During a visit to Specsthe two men discovered that they shared a deep appreciation for the beloved Greek folk song “Maria me ta tjalona,” which they remembered from childhood. This shared memory inspired the name of the new property, highlighting the strong bond connecting the cultural heritage of Greece and Colombia.
mrs Theresa LondonSecretary of Tourism of Cartagena, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Aria Hotels to Colombia. Their new venture will not only highlight the historical sites, turning them into iconic tourist destinations, but also strengthen the cultural ties between our two countries. Colombia will become a leading destination for international travelers with a strong focus on ecotourism, attracting visitors seeking authentic experiences and sustainable practices.”.
mr Makis Pantazatos CEO of Aria Hotels, expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating: “It is a great honor for us to bring authentic Greek hospitality to Latin America. Our goal is to create unique accommodations that honor local culture while reflecting our Greek roots. As we expand in Cartagena, we look forward to developing spaces that highlight Colombia’s rich history, infused with our signature Greek warmth and hospitality.”
Aria Hotels remains committed to expanding its ecotourism initiatives, with the recent announcement of investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure in Greece. This strategy includes the introduction of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and the development of a network of Vertiports across the country, improving environmental sustainability and offering innovative transport solutions for visitors.
Aria Hotels had its strong support Onirius Hospitality Advisors throughout their expansion process in Colombia. This partnership ensures the strategic and smooth development of the group in the new market, offering valuable guidance and expert advice at every step of the venture.