By Gemma Greenwood
Three of Greece’s hospitality talents – George, Aristea and Vasiliki Mamidaki – are joining forces with HSMAI Europe to support the Greece launch of Connecting Future Leaders (CFL), a vibrant community for hospitality professionals aged 35 and under.
The siblings represent the third generation of Bluegr Hotels & Resorts, the Athens- and Crete-based luxury hotel group founded by their grandparents, George and Aristea Mamidaki, and now led by their mother, CEO Gina Mamidaki.
Today, they are carving their own paths in the business – George in strategy and finance, Aristea in people and data analytics, and Vasiliki in business development – while bringing fresh perspectives, digital savvy, and a shared passion for nurturing young talent.
Designed to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of hospitality professionals, Connecting Future Leaders is already making waves in Europe.
Launched in Oslo in 2022, and later in London, it has become known for its lively, informal events where young professionals share experiences, build networks, and swap ideas across brands and companies. Soon, it’s going further, with activities in Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam and Athens.
HSMAI Europe’s presence in Greece, established last year as part of its Southern Europe growth strategy, is giving the local hospitality community fresh opportunities to connect and learn. Connecting Future Leaders Greece will make its debut at Xenia 2025, with more events planned to create a year-round hub for networking, inspiration, and collaboration.
To boost the profile, reach, and potential of the initiative, Connecting Future Leaders Committees are set to be established in the locations where HSMAI Europe is active, including Greece.
We sat down with George, Aristea and Vasiliki to talk about growing up in hospitality, the ethos that makes Bluegr unique, and what excites them most about being part of a movement that’s shaping the future of the industry.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
WHY IS HSMAI EUROPE CONNECTING FUTURE LEADERS
The hospitality industry will need many more people in the years ahead. To attract and retain talent, we must inspire young professionals and leaders to continue building their careers in our wonderful industry. HSMAI Europe Connecting Leaders is designed to foster collaboration across brands, countries, and sectors, helping emerging leaders address common challenges and discover new opportunities for growth while building a strong and supportive community.
CFL is a platform that brings together young leaders, talents, and others in the travel industry aged 35 and younger to share experiences, build networks, and exchange professional insights.
ABOUT HSMAI EUROPE
HSMAI – Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – is a global organisation founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organisation. HSMAI Europe aims to be a key influencer, pioneer and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies and sustainability in the hospitality industry. www.hsmai.eu
