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Greece has approved the VORIA megaproject, which is expected to change the future of tourism in Afiach

Can a single investment project restart the development of an entire district and set new standards for tourism in the capital? After Greece’s highest administrative court finally gave the green light to the construction of the VORIA complex in Marousi, a northern suburb of Athens, this question has become the subject of heated debate among residents, experts, and businesses.

For the first time in decades, such a large-scale entertainment and hospitality center will appear on the outskirts of the metropolis, promising not only new jobs but also a radical transformation of the urban landscape. What changes will VORIA bring to the economy, tourism, and everyday life in Marousi?

Legal precedent and its significance

The construction of VORIA became possible after a lengthy legal dispute. Opponents filed a lawsuit challenging the zoning procedure approved by a presidential decree in 2023. Their concerns related to possible violations of environmental regulations and negative impacts on the local community.

However, the Council of State, the highest administrative body, recognized the decree as legal and supported the project. According to the court’s press service, the decision is final and eliminates further obstacles for investors. Real estate experts note that such a verdict creates an important precedent for the implementation of large-scale initiatives in the country, reducing investment risks and strengthening developers’ confidence.

Key parameters and concept of the VORIA complex

The VORIA project is positioned as the largest leisure and tourism center in the north of the Athens agglomeration in recent decades. The complex will combine a five-star hotel, a modern conference center, a casino, and various areas for recreation, entertainment, and gastronomy. According to North Star Entertainment, the main developer, VORIA embodies the model of a self-contained urban complex (“city within a city”) and is intended to become a point of attraction for tourists and business travelers.

The relocation of the historic Mont Parnes casino stands out in particular. Previously, it was located on Mount Parnitha, and now it will move to a specially constructed building with an area of 8,500 sq. m. Experts believe that this will not only preserve the brand but also increase the flow of visitors to the new district.

Using a casino to attract tourists is a common marketing solution, but in the last decade it has somewhat changed. The main reason lies in the widespread proliferation of online casinos. Now, when a person can gamble anywhere, a casino alone is not enough.

Online casinos easily attract the attention of players, not only due to their accessibility. They offer visitors exclusive entertainment that even large land-based casinos do not have. One of the latest trends is crash games, such as Lucky Jet Game, Jet X, Aviator, and others. Statistics show that thanks to them, online casino attendance is increasing.

In order to compete with virtual projects, land-based casinos are betting on creating entire entertainment complexes with a full range of services. This is exactly the kind of complex VORIA in Athens is supposed to become.

The entire development area covers 50 stremma or approximately 12.4 acres (1 stremma is about 1,000 sq. m). Of these, the developer undertakes to landscape more than 17 stremma as green zones, and to leave 25 stremma for public access, which is rare for such projects.

Environmental and social aspects of the new complex

From the first announcements about VORIA, the company has emphasized its commitment to the principles of sustainable development. The project includes active landscaping, the creation of park spaces, and the implementation of modern “green” standards in architecture.

A significant decision was the exclusion of shopping centers from the complex to avoid direct competition with local small businesses. According to North Star, this will preserve the traditional appearance of Marousi and support local entrepreneurs. In addition, the plan includes special areas for recreation for residents and guests, free public spaces, and pedestrian routes.

Economic effects, jobs, and impact on infrastructure

Financial investments in the project are estimated at $332 million (€300 million). According to the company itself and independent analysts, the launch of the complex will stimulate the development of the tourism industry, increase city budget revenues, and create about 1,000 jobs—both during the construction phase and during operation.

Another focus is investment in transport infrastructure. North Star has committed to finance the reconstruction of adjacent roads, the introduction of “smart” transport solutions, and measures to reduce traffic congestion. For example, in Europe, similar projects (for instance, in Lisbon and Barcelona) have led to comprehensive district development, increasing their attractiveness for business events and major occasions.

Positions of stakeholders: opinions, disputes, arguments

Supporters of VORIA are confident: the project will give new impetus to tourism development, bring additional income, and raise the prestige of Marousi. In their opinion, the complex will help integrate the district into the economic activity of Athens, create jobs, and accelerate the modernization of the urban environment.

Opponents refer to possible environmental risks, fear the displacement of small businesses, and worry about the fate of traditional neighborhoods. Representatives of local NGOs advocate for transparency of control and full public discussion of the plans.

Experts in real estate and urban studies note that such projects, with proper management, can improve quality of life and become a driver of development, but a system of control and trust between the municipality and the developer is important. As an example, they cite the revised strategy for the renewal of Hamburg’s port districts, when after heated debates it was possible to find a balance between the economy, eco-policy, and urban heritage.

The choice of Marousi for VORIA is explained both by transport accessibility (proximity to major highways and the metro) and by the city authorities’ strategic plan for the decentralization of tourism. In world practice, one can recall the transformation of Barcelona’s northern suburbs for the 1992 Olympics, when the development of new spaces gave impetus to the development of the entire region.

Perhaps it is VORIA that will become the impetus for new debates about the future of suburbs, their role in the tourism and economic strategy of the metropolis. The open question remains: will this project lead to sustainable development or pose new challenges for the urban community?

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