Hotels & Accommodations
Israel Canada Hotels Expands Operations in Greece: A Major Leap in Hospitality and International Growth
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Israel Canada Hotels, a prominent player in the hospitality sector, is taking significant steps to expand its reach both in Israel and internationally. The company is currently engaged in strategic deals worth around NIS 200 million, aimed at strengthening its position as a leading hotel operator. With a focus on key markets such as Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, Israel Canada Hotels is expanding its portfolio of properties to meet the growing demand for diverse, high-quality accommodations. This move comes at a pivotal time as the tourism sector recovers from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, and Israel Canada Hotels seeks to cement its status as a leading hotel brand in the region.
Israel Canada Hotels’ Growing Domestic Presence
In Israel, Israel Canada Hotels is actively enhancing its presence with strategic acquisitions and investments. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a 50% ownership stake in two significant properties: the Galilion tourism complex and the Kfar Giladi Hotel. Located in the northern region of Israel, these two properties represent a major leap forward in the company’s expansion strategy.
The Galilion complex, situated in the beautiful Hula Valley, is a popular destination that boasts 120 guest rooms and suites, making it an ideal getaway for couples and families. The complex includes a spa center, swimming pool, restaurant, wine bar, and conference facilities. The Kfar Giladi Hotel, located in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi at the foot of the Naftali Mountains in the Upper Galilee, spans over 30 acres of well-maintained grounds, providing a serene environment for relaxation and leisure. These acquisitions, valued at approximately NIS 140 million, will be managed by Israel Canada Hotels, ensuring the company continues to provide exceptional service while benefiting from ongoing management fees.
Expansion in Tiberias: A New Lease Opportunity
In addition to its acquisitions, Israel Canada Hotels is in advanced negotiations to lease a 307-room hotel in Tiberias for a 15-year period, with an option to extend the lease for another 10 years. This property, which includes extensive public spaces and great potential for tourism activities, represents an exciting opportunity for the company to broaden its offerings in the region.
Plans for the hotel include a comprehensive renovation, aimed at transforming it into a family-friendly destination. With the growing demand for family-oriented travel experiences, this renovation will position the property as an attractive option for tourists looking for comfort and convenience in Tiberias, a popular location on the Sea of Galilee. The project aligns with Israel Canada Hotels’ broader strategy to expand its footprint in Israel and cater to a wide range of travelers.
Israel Canada Hotels’ Expansion in the South: Eilat and the 42 Degrees Project
Israel Canada Hotels is also making notable strides in the southern part of the country, specifically in the popular tourist destination of Eilat. Through a joint venture with the Karel Group, the company is investing NIS 1.5 million in the 42 Degrees project. This complex consists of nine buildings, public areas, a swimming pool, and a gym, and will be managed under a short-term hotel rental model.
This new investment in Eilat complements the company’s previous leasing agreement for a hotel located adjacent to the apartment complex. Both properties will be managed separately, offering tourists different experiences based on the type of service provided. This diversification ensures that Israel Canada Hotels can cater to various customer preferences, providing everything from family-friendly accommodations to more luxurious offerings in Eilat.
Aggressive International Expansion: Israel Canada Hotels in Greece
On the international front, Israel Canada Hotels is making significant inroads in Greece, a popular European destination that continues to draw millions of tourists each year. The company recently completed the acquisition of a Greek company holding the lease rights to a building on Theatrou Street in Athens, next to its existing Play Theatrou Hotel. This acquisition will allow the company to expand its presence in the vibrant Psiri neighborhood, a popular area for tourists.
The new building is set to undergo renovation and will be converted into a 50-room hotel with a restaurant, doubling the capacity of the Play Theatrou Hotel. With this expansion, the hotel will grow to 110 rooms, making it the largest hotel in the sought-after Psiri neighborhood. This acquisition is part of Israel Canada Hotels’ strategy to capitalize on Greece’s popularity as a global tourist hub and increase its footprint in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
In addition to this acquisition, Israel Canada Hotels is negotiating the lease rights to another hotel in a prime area of Greece. The estimated value of this deal is 13 million euros, and it represents another strategic move to strengthen the company’s presence in Greece, a market with significant growth potential. The addition of this hotel will further enhance Israel Canada Hotels’ urban portfolio and allow the company to attract more international visitors.
Strategic Focus on Brand Consolidation
Reuven Alkas, CEO and partner at Israel Canada Hotels, emphasized that these acquisitions and investments are integral to the company’s long-term growth strategy. By strengthening its presence in both domestic and international markets, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the global hospitality market. As the tourism industry rebounds, Israel Canada Hotels aims to consolidate its brand and expand its offerings in key locations both in Israel and abroad.
“We see these deals as an opportunity to expand our footprint in the most sought-after markets, while also maintaining our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service. Our focus on Greece, Israel, and the southern region ensures that we can cater to a diverse range of travelers,” Alkas said.
The Current Hotel Portfolio of Israel Canada Hotels
Currently, Israel Canada Hotels operates 24 hotels in Israel, 11 in Greece, and one in Cyprus, with a total of approximately 3,800 rooms. The company’s diverse portfolio includes properties ranging from luxurious resorts to more budget-friendly options, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The expansion plans in Israel and Greece are expected to significantly boost the company’s portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leading hospitality provider in these regions.
Upon the completion of the new deals, Israel Canada Hotels will not only increase its room capacity but also enhance the variety of vacation experiences it offers, from family-friendly accommodations in Tiberias and Eilat to upscale urban properties in Athens. This growth strategy is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality hospitality options in both domestic and international markets.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Israel Canada Hotels
Israel Canada Hotels is making substantial strides in expanding its footprint both in Israel and internationally. Through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and investments, the company is positioning itself as a leading player in the hospitality sector. With a strong presence in key tourist destinations like Eilat, Tiberias, and Athens, and a focus on customer service and quality, Israel Canada Hotels is poised for continued success in the growing global tourism market.
As the company strengthens its brand and expands its portfolio, travelers can expect an even more diverse range of accommodation options and experiences, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Israel Canada Hotels’ ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that it will remain a key player in the international hospitality industry.
Resort World Sentosa partners with Marriott to open The Laurus, a luxury hotel at Sentosa Island, Singapore, offering suites, dining, and spa.
The 183 all-suite hotel, ‘The Laurus’ — named after laurel leaves historically used to crown victors and honour achievements — will open by the end of the year.
“Our landmark collaboration with Marriott International to bring the very first The Luxury Collection branded property to Singapore further exemplifies our commitment to redefine luxury guest experiences. The Laurus, a luxury collection resort, embodies the very essence of our ongoing pivot to offer curated destination experiences as part of RWS’ transformational expansion plans,” Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer, RWS, said.
He said the new hotel will offer guests experience the Singapore’s rich heritage, the captivating beauty of Sentosa’s flora and fauna while experiencing RWS’ hallmark hospitality.
“The Laurus at RWS stands as a shining beacon, heralding a new era of exceptional luxury and hospitality, further cementing RWS’ esteemed status as Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort,” he said.
According to Marriott International the tie-up is a milestone which reflects its commitment to the evolving luxury landscape of the island city.
“Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s storied past and rich cultural heritage, The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, will celebrate the essence of the city, and we look forward to welcoming global explorers and collectors to experience Singapore’s captivating charm through the lens of our brand,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.
The Laurus offers suites as well as courtyard spaces and a function room spanning across five floors, the company said, adding that the hotel will have a bar, a landscaped outdoor swimming pool and spa and all-day-dining concept restaurant.
Spanning 49 hectares, the hotel is home to world-class attractions like the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark, it said.
Complementing the adventure and adrenaline of its theme parks and attractions are six unique luxury hotels, the premier Resorts World Convention Centre, and a casino.
The integrated resort also offers world-class entertainment from star-studded concerts to immersive exhibitions.
RWS is the first integrated resort to be inducted into the TTG Travel Hall of Fame in 2023 after being named “Best Integrated Resort” for 10 consecutive years at the TTG Travel Awards, which recognises the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel industry.
The Cork-based President of the Irish Hotels Federation has outlined that plans to cut Vat for the hospitality sector would be an important step to support the industry.
The comments from Michael Magner, who also owns the Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork, come following on from an interview on RTÉ Radio 1 with Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke who defended government plans to cut Vat for the hospitality sector.
The current Programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce the Vat rate in the hospitality sector from 13.5% to 9%.
Speaking to , Mr Magner said the proposal would assist vulnerable food led businesses that have faced an uncertain future and rising cost challenges in recent years.
“The commitment from the Minister to stand over the commitment that is in the programme for government towards the reduction of the Vat rate to 9% is welcome.
“It is needed on the basis of the food sector. The cut in Vat hospitality is for food businesses. Therefore it doesn’t apply to hotel accommodation as is our understanding.
“The current government has been formed since the start of this year. With that, we see tourism and hospitality being moved into the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
“We now have a Minister in Peter Burke, who is really supportive of our industry and understands the complexities of the sector.
Mr Magner added that with the right policies and a positive businesses environment, he believes tourism and hospitality can have a positive future ahead.
“The isn’t a case of whereby businesses are trying to profiteer or return what could be seen as super normal profits.
“This is actually about ensuring businesses have a chance of survival and that is what it comes down to.”
A row has broken out over plans to host a reptile market at a Blackpool hotel this summer.
The event at the Norbreck Castle will see people “buy and sell their surplus animals and offspring”, according to the International Herpetological Society (IHS).
But some animal charities have condemned the market as a “gross violation” of reptile welfare and have urged Britannia Hotels to cancel it.
Blackpool Council said its officers would be at the event to make sure it complied with standards, while the IHS said its markets were “fully compliant with UK law”.
The IHS, which was founded in 1969, said it was “committed to the ongoing research and propagation of all reptile, amphibian and chelonian species”.
It added “animal care is paramount” at its events and creatures were “transported and displayed in temporary containers for the animals’ safety during the event only”.
The soceity added that two veterinary professionals were “always present and any concerns are taken extremely seriously”.
Plans for a similar market in Doncaster in 2022 were halted by the town’s council after complaints from some animal charities.
Event controversy
Elaine Toland, director of the Animal Protection Agency, said it “strongly urges Britannia Hotels to cancel this event and refuse to be complicit”.
Laura Walton, campaigns manager at Freedom for Animals, added it “sincerely hoped” the hotel chose not to let the event go ahead.
Charlotte Regan, wildlife campaigns manager at World Animal Protection, said the animals were “not products to be bought and sold at makeshift stalls”.
“These kinds of events are outdated and have no place in modern society.”
The IHS said it found it “deeply upsetting to be constantly under fire” and none of its previous events had been “cancelled, refused or changed venues due to welfare issues or legal contravention by the IHS”.
It said the events had instead been called off because of “adverse publicity”.
Britannia Hotels has been approached for comment.
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