HHF: New communication channel for hoteliers and banks with “Hospitality meets Banking – Speakeasy Edition”

The first “Hospitality meets Banking – Speakeasy Edition” was held in Athens last Friday, a new initiative aimed at bringing hoteliers closer to the decision-making centers of the banking system. The event was organized by the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers (HHF), in collaboration with the National Bank, which participated as a gold sponsor.

HHF President Yannis Chatzis emphasized that the new dialogue platform creates “direct communication channels” between small and very small hotel businesses and the executives who determine the actual funding policy. As he pointed out, the initiative aims to strengthen the trust between the two parties – a critical step for businesses to be able to “breathe, invest and evolve”.

        HHF aims to open a more stable and transparent path of communication with banks, at a time when the hospitality industry continues to rely heavily on small family-run businesses, which often face difficulties accessing financing. In this context, the event served as an informal but targeted “speakeasy” environment where practical issues, needs, and solutions were discussed.

“The essence of tourism is its people,” said Yannis Chatzis, noting that the weight of Greek hospitality is carried by hundreds of small units throughout the country. “Today we took another step to support these people,” he added, emphasizing that such meetings contribute to the formation of policies that respond to the reality of small businesses.

According to HHF officials, they plan to repeat similar actions to establish a permanent communication channel with the banking system. As they say, “we move forward together, with clear goals and real solutions,” recognizing that strengthening the financial environment is a key factor for the sustainability and transformation of Greek hospitality.