The Metaxa Hospitality Group marked half a century of authentic Greek hospitality with a heartfelt celebration in Hersonissos, Crete – the birthplace of its first resort and the foundation of its 50-year legacy.
Under the theme “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future”, the evening brought together government officials, tourism professionals, partners, and employees to celebrate a milestone deeply intertwined with the evolution of Greek tourism itself.
Addressing hundreds of guests at the “Mikis Theodorakis” Conference Center, Metaxa Hospitality Group CEO Andreas Metaxas reflected on a journey that began in 1975 with his father, the late Nikolaos Metaxas, and the opening of the island’s landmark Creta Maris Resort.
Metaxa Hospitality Group CEO Andreas Metaxas.
“For us, hospitality has always been a journey that began with a dream and continues to this day,” said Metaxas. “With deep respect for the past, we are opening new paths for the future of hospitality.”
Metaxas paid tribute to his parents, Nikolaos and Theano Metaxas, whose vision and commitment to Cretan culture, nature and tradition remain the guiding force behind the Group’s values. “Their example is a beacon and a path of responsibility we continue to follow,” he said.
Founded in 1975 with the opening of the now-emblematic Creta Maris Resort, the Group has grown into one of Greece’s leading hospitality brands, known for combining innovation with heartfelt service. Today it operates luxury resorts and hotels on Crete and Santorini, including Creta Maris Resort, TUI Magic Life Candia Maris and the Santo Collection in Oia, Santorini.
Throughout its evolution, the Group has stayed true to its founding principles of community engagement and sustainability. “Our people are the heart and mind of our Group – and our greatest strength,” said Metaxas, noting that 80 percent of employees come from the local community and that women represent over half of the workforce, with many in leadership roles.
“We aim to create meaningful experiences that connect visitors with the land and its people,” he highlighted.
Metaxa Hospitality Group COO Manos Borboudakis (right).
Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis, who attended the celebration, praised the Group’s pioneering contribution to the island’s tourism and sustainable development.
“For 50 years, Metaxa Hospitality Group has been synonymous with quality tourism and continuous innovation,” he said, highlighting its recent initiative to integrate regenerative agriculture into hospitality operations – a model that links food production directly with environmental stewardship.
Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis.
This forward-thinking approach is embodied in the Group’s “Regenerative Agriculture for the Lassithi Plateau and its People” program, launched in 2023.
Through it, the company supports local farmers and promotes food systems that are resilient, regenerative, and environmentally friendly. “The planet no longer needs maintenance — it needs regeneration,” said Metaxas. “Tourism has the power to regenerate natural and social ecosystems, creating shared value for local communities.”
At the local level, the Group remains an active contributor to Cretan society through initiatives in culture, sports, education, and volunteerism.
Speaking during the event, Hersonissos Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis called Metaxa Hospitality Group “a model of sustainable entrepreneurship that strengthens social cohesion and drives local development.”
Hersonissos Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis.
Looking ahead, the Group continues to invest in the future of Greek tourism, with a major renovation project under way at Creta Maris Resort and a new development planned at Cape Tholos in Ierapetra. A large-scale digital transformation program is also in progress, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Celebrating 50 years
Greek singer Nina Mazani.
The anniversary evening brought these values to life with a celebration that blended Cretan gastronomy, music and culture, featuring dishes prepared with produce from regenerative farms and performances by local artists – a fitting tribute to 50 years of hospitality rooted in place and purpose.
Cretan musician Hector Kyriakou and his ensemble.
The evening was also enhanced by a rich musical program, featuring Cretan musician Hector Kyriakou and his ensemble performing traditional Cretan music, the 25-member choral group Phonodia from Heraklion, led by renowned baritone and artistic director Ioannis Idomeneus, and Nina Mazani, one of the rising stars of the contemporary Greek music scene.
The 25-member choral group Phonodia.
Founded in 1975 by Nikolaos Metaxas, the Metaxa Hospitality Group is a leading Greek hospitality company recognized for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and authentic guest experiences.
With more than 1,100 rooms across its properties οn Crete and Santorini, the Group has been named “Best Hospitality Group in Greece” by the World Travel Awards (2021–2024) and was recently listed among the “45 Most Sustainable Companies in Greece” by the Quality Net ESG Index (2025).
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