Construction of the “Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens,” billed as a one-of-a-kind integrated tourist resort in Europe, a joint venture by GΕΚ ΤΕRΝΑ and Hard Rock International began on Thursday.
The investment, valued at roughly 1.5 billion euros, is expected to generate 3,000 jobs in the construction phase. During its operational phase, the resort will continue to employ 3,000 individuals while the Integrated Resort Casino (IRC) is forecast to contribute tens of millions of euros annually to state coffers over the next 30 years.
Ground-breaking Ceremony
Earlier in the morning at the site earmarked for the development of the comprehensive tourist complex, representatives of the joint venture partners, government ministers, and US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis, inaugurated the initiation of preliminary technical work with a symbolic shoveling of dirt.
Hosts and invitees wielded guitar-shaped shovels (the iconic symbol of Hard Rock) and signaled the commencement of construction.
What to Expect from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens
The “Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens” aims to significantly enhance the greater Athens area’s tourism appeal. It will feature a luxurious five-star hotel with suites and rooms offering panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf, Athens and the Acropolis.
The complex will be complemented by a world-class casino, elevating the hospitality and entertainment landscape in Athens.
The resort’s infrastructure will boast a state-of-the-art exhibition and conference center, providing high-end facilities. Additionally, a cutting-edge entertainment venue is planned to host concerts by well-known artists. Beyond these amenities, the complex will house top restaurant and café brands, such as the Rock Spa®, a pool, and retail outlets.
The project, a joint venture between Hard Rock International (51%) and GEK TERNA (49%), is slated for completion within three years. Emphasizing the ambitious scale of the investment, George Peristeris, the chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA, said it’s expected to surpass one billion euros. On his part, Jim Allen, President of Hard Rock International, estimates the cost to reach 1.5 billion euros.
