Vicky Bouzouni: The creator of the institution putting the new era of the Athens Riviera on the international map
The founder of the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards, taking place on September 17 at One&Only Aesthesis under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and with NouPou Media as official Media Partner, talks about the vision behind an institution that recognizes the protagonists of development and strengthens Greece's international image.
- 10/09/2026 17:55
The Athens Riviera is at the center of a historic transition. Landmark investments, international hospitality brands and major development projects are redefining Athens’ coastline, creating one of the most dynamic investment and tourism destinations in Europe.
It is within this new landscape that the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards were born – a new honorary institution, under the auspices of the Ministry of Development, created to recognize and honor the individuals, businesses and projects that make a substantial contribution to shaping the modern identity of the Athens Riviera.
The inaugural edition will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the iconic One&Only Aesthesis, with the participation of leading figures from the country’s business, investment and institutional life. Journalist and founder of the institution, Vicky Bouzouni, talks about the vision behind the event, the new era of the Athens Riviera, and the importance of creating an institution with an international orientation.
How did the idea for the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards come about?
The Athens Riviera is where I was born and raised. I’ve been following its evolution for years, both through my journalistic career and through the Luxury Living Show. In recent years a truly historic change has been taking place: significant investments, landmark projects, international groups and visionary people are shaping an entirely new reality.
So I felt that this new era needed an institution to record it, highlight it, and honor those who substantially contribute to creating it. That’s how the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards were born. This isn’t simply an awards ceremony, but a new honorary institution with a clear identity, prestige and international orientation.
What is the core philosophy of the event?
The philosophy of the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards rests on four fundamental values: Excellence, Leadership, Innovation and Legacy. Our goal is to honor people and businesses that don’t just follow developments but create them. Visionary figures with strategic thinking and substantial work, who leave a strong imprint on the economy, entrepreneurship and the country’s international image. For us, the concept of luxury isn’t limited to aesthetics or high quality. It’s connected to excellence, innovation, consistency, and above all, to creating a lasting legacy.
Why did you choose this particular moment?
Because the Athens Riviera is today at a defining point in its history. We’re no longer talking just about a beautiful seaside destination, but about a new international investment, business and tourism hub. Major developments, modern infrastructure, international hotel brands, new real estate investments and the strengthening of yachting are creating a particularly dynamic ecosystem. This transformation deserves its own institutional expression and the international exposure it warrants. The Athens Riviera Luxury Awards aspire to become the reference point of this new era.
What sectors do the awards focus on?
The event is built around four main pillars:
- Development, Architecture & Construction
- Investment & Real Estate
- Yachting
- Luxury Hospitality
These sectors are the main driving forces behind the Athens Riviera’s development. They are interconnected and together shape its new international identity.
Through the awards, we want to highlight both the landmark projects and businesses and the individuals behind them — the people who envision, invest, create and evolve.
What will characterize the inaugural event?
The first edition will take place at One&Only Aesthesis, a venue that fully expresses the contemporary identity and international dynamism of the Athens Riviera. The event will bring together prominent Greek and international entrepreneurs, investors, institutional representatives and figures from real estate, development, architecture, construction, luxury hospitality and yachting. Following the awards ceremony, a high-level networking environment will follow, with strategic dialogue and institutional connections. We want the evening to create meaningful connections, new investment opportunities and strong synergies between people from Greece and abroad.
What sets the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards apart?
Their identity. From the very first moment, my aim was to create an institution with rigorous aesthetics, a clear strategy and a high level of representation. We don’t want to present just another glamorous event. We want to build an institution of substance, with continuity, credibility and international reach. Every award must have real content and reflect significant work, a successful journey, or a substantial contribution to the development and progress of the Athens Riviera.
What does creating this institution mean to you personally?
For me, it’s a deeply personal and meaningful undertaking. The Athens Riviera is part of my identity, and through my journalistic path I’ve had the chance to meet the people who create, invest in and develop this place. The Athens Riviera Luxury Awards are the natural continuation of that journey. It’s a way to bring together journalism, entrepreneurship, investment outreach and the power of human stories within an institution with an international outlook. My wish is to create something that will have longevity, consistency and real value for the Athens Riviera and for Greece.
What is your vision for what comes next?
My vision is for the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards to evolve into a recognized international institution connecting the Athens Riviera with major investment, business and creative centers abroad. We want to contribute to the country’s outward-facing growth, strengthen international dialogue around investment and development, and showcase Greece as a place of opportunity, innovation and high-level creation.
The Athens Riviera isn’t just one of the country’s most important development projects. It’s a new Greek success story with global prospects. And that’s exactly the philosophy that sums up the message of the Athens Riviera Luxury Awards: “Where Vision Becomes Legacy.”