Angela Gkerekou, the new Strategic Advisor of Kourtidis Group, in meetings with institutional representatives
Regional development at the heart of the agenda
With the aim of presenting Alexandrou Chora, the major projects currently underway, and above all the vision and philosophy that define Kourtidis Group, the company’s newly appointed Strategic Advisor to the Management Board, Angela Gkerekou, paid her first official visit to the regions where the Group operates. During her three-day tour across Ofrynio Beach, Kavala, Drama, and Serres, Ms. Gkerekou visited the Group’s offices, took part in meetings with institutional representatives, and gave interviews to local media, presenting both the Group’s long-term vision and the landmark projects that collectively form Alexandrou Chora.
Ms. Gkerekou’s appointment marks the beginning of a new strategic era for the Group, further strengthening its core philosophy. Kourtidis Group’s long-standing objective has always been to ensure that business growth goes hand in hand with the development, upgrading, and meaningful support of the regions in which it operates. Drawing on her extensive experience in tourism and culture, as former Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture and former President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Ms. Gkerekou is expected to play an active role in shaping the Group’s strategic planning for the next decade, while also contributing to the broader development of these regions.
Meetings, partnerships, and a focus on local communities
During her visit to the Group’s headquarters, Ms. Gkerekou, together with Kourtidis Group President Nikos Kourtidis and Vice President Konstantina Dimitrova, held meetings with institutional and business representatives, as well as members of local government. In Kavala, the working meeting was attended by Deputy Regional Governor of Kavala Theodoros Markopoulos, Regional Deputy Governor for Development and Entrepreneurship of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Alexandros Iosifidis, Mayor of Kavala Theodoros Mouriadis, President of the Kavala Chamber of Commerce Giannis Panagiotidis, and Deputy Mayor for Culture, Lifelong Learning, and Music Education Apostolos Moumtsakis.
In Serres, meetings included Deputy Regional Governor Panagiotis Spyropoulos, Mayor Varvara Mitliagka, and Chamber President Thanasis Malliaras.
In Drama, participants included Municipal Councilor and representative of the Mayor Christos Mavridis, Director of the Drama Development Agency Manolis Chatzopoulos, and President of the Drama Chamber of Commerce Stefanos Georgiadis.
In the Municipality of Volvi, attendees included Mayor Diamantis Liamas, Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Culture Panagiotis Epitropou, and President of DEYA Volvi Christos Gkolidakis. In the Municipality of Amphipolis, a separate meeting took place with Mayor Stergios Frastanlis.
These meetings focused initially on presenting the Group’s business strategy, but more importantly on creating strong synergies aimed at promoting the region through meaningful investments and strategic initiatives.
A particularly important part of the three-day visit was Ms. Gkerekou’s direct interaction with all Kourtidis Group employees. Through visits to each office in every city, she had the opportunity to connect personally with team members, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships between the Group’s leadership and its people, reinforcing the belief that a company’s growth is built first and foremost on its people.
What is Alexandrou Chora?
What exactly is Alexandrou Chora? What does it include? How many projects are planned across the wider region? What benefits will it bring to local communities? These were some of the key questions addressed during Ms. Gkerekou’s three-day tour. Following the completion of Kourtidis Group’s new strategic project planning, one of the Group’s immediate priorities was to inform both institutional stakeholders and local communities. Under the unified umbrella of Alexandrou Chora, the ambitious master plan includes the development of five landmark projects spanning three regional units – Kavala, Serres, and Thessaloniki – across two administrative regions: Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and Central Macedonia.
Each of the five major projects has its own thematic identity, targets different audiences, and responds to real investment and tourism needs from visitors and investors around the world. Through dedicated campaigns and informational initiatives in the coming months, Kourtidis Group will unveil further details of a development plan with the potential to significantly transform the wider region.
Vision, goals, and philosophy
As part of her new role as Strategic Advisor to Kourtidis Group, Angela Gkerekou outlined the vision for the next decade, stating: “I serve as an advisor for a strategic development plan for the period 2025–2035, through the Alexandrou Chora initiative, which brings together five flagship projects under one unified umbrella.” She described the initiative as a comprehensive cultural and tourism development plan extending from Ofrynio and Serres to Thessaloniki and the borders of Drama, with the goal of substantially upgrading and advancing the wider region.
As she emphasized, Alexandrou Chora is not simply an investment project, but a holistic philosophy that connects each destination with its historical identity while highlighting its authentic character. It promotes a development model rooted in respect for the environment, people, and local communities. At the heart of this vision lies an innovative Alexander the Great thematic park, an internationally oriented project, as well as the creation of a modern cultural center designed to serve as a reference point for showcasing the work of local municipalities and the scientific community.
At the same time, plans are underway for the development of a model residential and lifestyle community for nature and cycling enthusiasts at the foothills of Mount Paggaio, offering a way of life in harmony with the natural environment. Significant emphasis is also being placed on the creation of a wellness and longevity center. Combined with the region’s thermal springs and a therapeutic nutrition concept based on local products, this initiative aspires to become a major destination for visitors seeking meaningful rejuvenation. Concluding her remarks, Ms. Gerekou stressed that this broader strategic vision reflects a deeper belief that Greece can reposition itself internationally as a destination for healing, wellbeing, and authentic living experiences connecting culture, nature, and people through a unified and sustainable model of development.
Kourtidis Group President Nikos Kourtidis stated: “It is true that, throughout the evolution of our business activity, we were searching for an inspiring individual capable of fully supporting our vision. We are absolutely confident that Angela Gkerekou possesses all the qualities, experience, and unique philosophy needed to strengthen our efforts.
Following the completion of her term as President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, we had the opportunity to meet with her, share our vision, and realize that we are united by common values, strategic thinking, and a shared understanding of development. Her participation in our Group significantly strengthens our strategic direction, and we are certain that she will contribute decisively both to the achievement of our goals and to the broader development of the region.”
From her side, Group Vice President Konstantina Dimitrova stated: “We are delighted to welcome Angela Gkerekou to the Kourtidis Group family. Our first initiatives are already underway, with the shared goal of creating projects that will benefit both the Group and the regions in which we operate. Soon, we will also reveal further details of our strategic planning, and I am fully confident that they will create a very positive impact.”
This three-day visit marks yet another important milestone in the implementation of Kourtidis Group’s strategic vision for the next decade, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainable development, and the creation of long-term value for society, tourism, and the economy of Northern Greece.
