Tangible proof of the government’s strategic decision to upgrade the domestic tourist product, but also to extend the tourist season throughout the year, is the opening of the new tourist resort, according to the prime minister. “One & Only Aesthesis” in Glyfada. “The most important thing is to create many well-paid jobs”, said Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who did not fail to praise the internationally renowned investor. Prem Watsa, for the consistency he demonstrates in terms of placing capital in our country. “I think you should consider possibly erecting a statue in honor of the ‘resilient’ investor. Because if there was a resilient and patient investor it is definitely Prem, who has been in Greece and has seen the bad side as well as the good side of Greece. He believed in progress, the significant progress that was made under the Samaras government, but he also stayed in Greece during the very difficult years of the previous government, SYRIZA,” pointed out the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Prime Minister’s full address follows, Kyriakou Mitsotakisat the event for the opening of the new tourist resort “One & Only Aesthesis” in Glyfada.

“Prime Minister Mr. Samaras, dear members of the government, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be with you today. My congratulations to all those who believed in this project and made it a reality. This is a fantastic collaboration between Kerzner and Grivalia. You have managed to deliver an impressive resort, which I believe will literally change the way the world and guests perceive the luxury market in Greece.

Indeed, during the tour, I thought that everything we are trying to achieve in terms of tourism is basically reflected in this wonderful place: our strategic decision to upgrade our product, the emphasis on sustainability – of course, the degree of sustainability it is always much greater when you take over a run-down area than when you build a new building, which is exactly what you have done here-, the turning of the city towards the sea.

It always seemed odd to me that a city with 50 kilometers of coastline didn’t focus on resort development along the coast. And this development is not only happening here, but also with the projects in Elliniko and many other projects that are underway.

This concept, of course, is of key importance for the extension of the tourist season: a resort that can operate throughout the year and offer a unique experience to those who want to come to Greece, not only in the summer months. Of course all this is the result of a significant capital investment you have made.

At the end of the day, from our point of view, the most important thing is to create many and well-paying jobs. The higher your fees, the more you will be able to pay your staff, the more training will be required and the more young people who work here will see that a career in the hospitality industry is a career worth pursuing. In that sense, what you do here is very important.

I would, however, like to add a special footnote to highlight the commitment that Prem Watsa has made to Greece. I think you should consider possibly erecting a statue in honor of the “resilient” investor. Because if there was a resilient and patient investor it is definitely Prem, who has been in Greece and has seen the bad side as well as the good side of Greece. He believed in progress, the significant progress that was made under the Samaras government, but he also stayed in Greece during the very difficult years of the previous government, SYRIZA.

We have greatly assisted this type of investment by significantly improving the business environment. And I would like to thank all the relevant Ministries for working with your team to make this project a reality. I believe you have chosen a good day for this event, because essentially this inauguration symbolizes the progress that the country has made. On Friday we managed to achieve investment grade from S&P. Our public finances are in order, the economy is growing at a much faster rate than the eurozone average.

Despite the fact that the global economy is facing adversity, we have every reason to be optimistic about Greece. And when it comes to our tourism, our tourism product, we should be very ambitious. I have always said that we must make Greece the best destination in the world. We can do this, we have to work with the best to be able to do this. And I believe we have made significant strides towards achieving that goal.

Once again, I would like to congratulate all those who contributed to the realization of this project. To the investors, of course, but also to the Greek construction companies, to the project managers, to everyone who worked to deliver this resort on schedule – and hopefully on budget. I think it’s up to you to judge if they did a good job. And I really look forward to welcoming the first visitors and reading the first reviews.

Honestly, I can’t think of many cities that can offer a resort of this quality so close to the city center. That’s what we have here. This is a unique legacy. It is our duty to protect it and ensure that everything we build meets the highest standards of sustainability. That is what you have achieved here. So congratulations again.”