Half a century of authentic Greek hospitality and innovation was celebrated Monday evening in Hersonissos, where the story of Metaxa Hospitality Group began in 1975 with the founding of the iconic Creta Maris Resort.
The event, themed “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” was a touching retrospective of the Group’s achievements and a promise of continuity for future generations.
The dream, the legacy and the new journey
“With deep respect for the past, we are opening new paths for the future of hospitality,” stated Andreas N. Metaxas, CEO of the Group, addressing hundreds of attendees – government representatives, local authorities, tourism organizations and Group executives.
Opening his speech with Nikos Kazantzakis’ phrase, “In my life, my greatest benefactors have been travels and dreams,” Mr. Metaxas noted:
“For us at Metaxa Hospitality Group, hospitality is a journey that began with a dream and has lasted 50 years.”
Referring to his father and Group founder Nikolaos Metaxas, he emphasized that he “dreamed of creating a hotel that would be a miniature of Crete.”
Speaking about his mother, Theano Metaxas, he highlighted that “with her knowledge and love for folk tradition, she left her own mark.”
“Our parents’ example is a beacon and a path of responsibility, which we, the next generations, follow,” he added.
Focus on people and Crete
Mr. Metaxas emphasized that throughout all these years, the Group offers “authentic hospitality experiences that connect visitors with the place and its people.”
Crete, he said, is “a living canvas on which experiences are designed that capture the essence of Cretan hospitality.”
He also highlighted the employees:
“Our people are the heart and mind of the Group. We are connected by deep life relationships,” he noted with emotion.
80% of employees come from the local community, while 53% are women, who hold 67% of management positions. The Group consistently invests in education, equal opportunities and family support.

Regenerative hospitality – The future’s challenge
With the pioneering program “Regenerative Agriculture for the Lasithi Plateau,” Metaxa Group connects agricultural production with sustainable hospitality.
“The planet no longer needs maintenance, but restart through regeneration,” Mr. Metaxas said characteristically.
He spoke about tourism’s power to “regenerate natural and social ecosystems,” with emphasis on protecting rural areas threatened by climate crisis.
New era for Creta Maris and Crete
The evening concluded with reference to the Group’s major investment plans, such as the Creta Maris Resort renovation project and Cape Tholos in Kavausi, Ierapetra.
Meanwhile, an ambitious digital transformation program is underway, bringing the Group into the new era of “smart” hospitality.
What officials said
Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis spoke of “50 years of creation and innovation.”
Maria Kozyrakis, Secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Crete, praised the “Group’s commitment to social and environmental values.”
Hersonissos Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis characterized the Group as “an example of sustainability and business excellence.”
Heraklion Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos referred to its “multifaceted social contribution,” while Menelaos Bokeas of Malevizi spoke of “selfless service and human relationships.”

An evening with the essence of Crete
The celebration concluded with Cretan flavors and sounds. Traditional cuisine with regenerative agriculture products, music by Ektoras Kyriakos, vocal ensemble “Phonodia” and Nina Mazani set the tone for an evening that honored roots while looking decisively toward the future.