BUILD: How a Private Sector Business Group Drives Growth Across Northern Greece

A promising institution with a bright future, the 1st Amphipolis Forum was organized by the Kourtidis Group of Companies in collaboration with the Municipality of Amphipolis.

The visionary investments of the Group and its collaborations with local authorities and investors are building an irresistible brand for the region, with international appeal and visibility, while creating exceptional dynamics for new business challenges.

The 1st Amphipolis Forum, held in July 2024 by the Kourtidis Group and the Municipality of Amphipolis, served as the most resounding “announcement” of the silent but persistent efforts that have been unfolding over the years with determination, stability, innovation, and remarkable financial efficiency in the region of Strymonic Gulf, the coastal zone up to Thassos, and throughout the broader area. It marked the opening of the “curtain” even for the most skeptical, for those who until now regarded the region and its prospects with hesitation or at best, cautious optimism.

Distinguished figures from politics, science, local government, chambers of commerce, and international investments who participated in this developmental forum dispelled any doubts and painted an accurate picture of reality through their statements, which sparked significant interest and discussions. What did the first Amphipolis conference reveal? A common secret, which immediately became evident to everyone.

The region surrounding Amphipolis, spanning the three prefectures of Drama, Serres, and Kavala, is neither remote nor obscure. It is close, accessible, and rich in unique history. A place reachable by land, sea, and air, with obvious beauty and advantages. With a Balkan hinterland of 40 million people and continuous “dialogue” with nearly all neighboring capitals, with two nearby airports, three close ports, landscapes of unparalleled beauty, and an extensive coastline. One only needs to look a little closer to see all this.

This is exactly what the Kourtidis Group of Companies did, with the support of the Municipality of Amphipolis, through the 1st Amphipolis Forum. They restored the big picture and internationalized it, so that everyone could see what was almost self-evident to those who already knew. The economic, tourism, and investment developments in the region are significant, rapid, and growing exponentially year by year. Moving in a direction where technology and knowledge incorporate symbols of continuity—archaeological heritage, culture, mythology, and traditions—into a balanced and holistic green development model characterized by quality and outward-looking vision.

The Group’s decision to focus its investments across the Strymonic Gulf and along the entire coastline up to Thassos was deliberate, persistent, and carefully weighed from every perspective. The results are astonishing—not only in terms of returns but also in how the Group has become the region’s “development engine,” attracting investment interest from around the world in its key areas of focus.

Kourtidis Group has now firmly established itself as one of the country’s leading business groups. It operates in construction, real estate, investments, and tourism with passion, vision, and, as evident from financial indicators and performance data, proven success. With 3,500 completed vacation homes and 90 projects comprising more than 1,644 residences currently in progress, it is undoubtedly a force of healthy and innovative entrepreneurship, defined by quality, reliability, accountability, efficiency, and outward orientation.

There is vision and a future for the Amphipolis Forum

At the 1st Amphipolis Forum, the event’s “host” and President of Kourtidis Group, Nikos Kourtidis, outlined his vision—the one that enabled him to recognize the unique opportunity presented by a place that combines history, tradition, culture, and natural beauty.

“Today, thanks to the presence of such esteemed speakers, I feel that Greece is once again turning its gaze toward Amphipolis…” said Mr. Kourtidis, adding, “The goal of our conference is ambitious but entirely achievable: the development of the broader region. And when we say broader region, we mean the entire coastal front, from the Strymonic Gulf to Thassos, from the prefectures of Serres, Drama, and Kavala. Seeing all of you, the most distinguished entrepreneurs, gathered here tonight, I feel particularly satisfied. Together, we can accomplish business miracles for the future. However, we must continue investing in modern tourism infrastructure, in innovation, and at the same time, we must keep promoting sustainable tourism development that respects the environment and local culture. I will repeat this phrase: With respect for the environment. Yes, projects that honor the future of our children. Our region offers numerous opportunities for business activities, with vast potential for growth. As a Group, we have prioritized the organization of investor reception at the highest level. We feel it is also our duty to create a hospitable investment environment.”

The Vice President of Kourtidis Group, Konstantina Dimitrova, at the 1st Amphipolis Forum, expressed her satisfaction with the “vindication” of the Group’s decision to invest in the region during “challenging times,” even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with the certainty that the future holds even greater promise.

“As is already evident from the response of international investors, we have succeeded. And we continue to succeed every day. And we still have a long way to go. It was a strategic decision for the Group to operate in the broader region, despite the strong pressures and calls to take easier leaps into more ‘glamorous’ and well-publicized areas. For us, there was never a dilemma. Our choice was these coastal areas, Thassos, and the prefectures of Serres, Drama, and Kavala,” said Ms. Dimitrova, continuing: “The Group has left its ‘mark’ on the region’s development, which is now making a bold entry into the country’s tourism and investment map. The prospects are limitless. This is how we have created and continue to create added value in our homeland. In 2024 alone, we visited 12 different countries, built relationships of trust, and achieved tangible investment results from all these foreign markets—something that confirms that this region is just beginning to unfold, just now opening its arms to major investors.”

The Management of Kourtidis Group was revealing about the magnitude of the success achieved through its operations in the region. Not only is this success ongoing, but it is also intensifying, already serving as a shining example of successful investment for other interested parties from both Greece and abroad.

Source: https://dailies.boussias.com/build/s/EE5m5pLeKCire6f