Empiria Group: Strong start to 2026

• Demand for Santorini is recovering following the weak performance of 2025, although it still remains below the strong levels recorded in 2024.
• The Group’s hotels in Paros continue their steady upward trajectory, despite demand being driven largely by the same geographic markets as Santorini.
• Pressures stemming from the broader geopolitical environment are inevitably impacting bookings, favoring particularly short booking windows and last-minute travel decisions.

With the 2026 tourism season already underway, Empiria Group is gradually completing the opening of its entire hotel portfolio, entering a year marked by significant developments both in terms of portfolio expansion and commercial strategy. The first months of the year reflect a market moving with greater caution and less predictability compared to previous years.

Mr. Antonis Eliopoulos, Founder & CEO of Empiria Group, stated:

“The season started dynamically; however, from February onwards we observed a noticeable slowdown in demand. Santorini is performing better compared to last year’s weak season, although it has not yet reached the levels of 2024. Paros, on the other hand, is maintaining the same momentum as last year, with all indications pointing toward another strong season. Overall, bookings this year are being made on a more last-minute basis, while the average length of stay in both destinations remains broadly unchanged compared to previous years. The greatest impact on this year’s performance comes from long-haul markets, where airfare prices have been significantly affected by geopolitical tensions. Within this context, an interesting redistribution of demand across the Mediterranean is taking shape: Spain, Portugal, and Southern France appear to be the major beneficiaries of the current environment, recording strong double-digit growth compared to last year. As for neighboring Italy, feedback from our partners indicates positive momentum as well, though at more moderate, single-digit growth levels.”

Strategic growth and portfolio repositioning

The 2026 season marks a period of strategic evolution for Empiria Group, with geographic expansion, strengthened presence in established destinations, and the repositioning of selected assets within its portfolio. The Group’s most significant development is its entry into Milos island with the launch of Eréma, a Member of Design Hotels, scheduled to open in June. The new property is a 41-suite hotel in a prime location near both the port and the airport, expanding the Group’s footprint into yet another Cycladic destination with strong growth potential.

In Santorini, the Group is further developing Istoria, a member of Design Hotels, creating a unified concept spanning two distinct locations. With the addition of Istoria cliff in Firostefani, alongside the existing Istoria beach in Perivolos, the hotel now offers a total of 21 suites and villas, strengthening its overall capacity and broadening the range of clientele it appeals to.

In Paros, the Villas at Parīlio enters its first full season of operation, enhancing the Group’s high-end private accommodation offering and catering to travelers seeking greater freedom, understated luxury, and a more personalized hospitality experience.

Against this backdrop, Empiria Group is moving into the new season with the gradual opening of all its properties. The season commenced with Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel on April 20, followed by Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels on May 1, and Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort on May 4. Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort welcomed its first guests on May 8, while Istoria, a Member of Design Hotels and Acron Villas are scheduled to open on May 15. Meanwhile, the new Eréma, a Member of Design Hotels in Milos, is expected to debut on June 22.