It was a great pleasure for our GM Tassos Kotzanastassis to deliver the keynote speech at “Between the Sea and the City,” an event organised by ULI Poland/Czech Republic in the beautiful coastal city of Sopot.
The event convened leading urban planners, developers, investors and policy makers to examine a pressing question: how can resort cities build robust economic models, foster community wellbeing and ensure climate resilience in places often defined by only a few months of peak activity? Discussions focused on the unique challenges and opportunities facing coastal destinations — from seasonal housing pressures and infrastructure strain to wellness ecosystems and inclusive tourism strategies.
As part of the programme, Mr. Kotzanastassis presented “Beyond the Summer Rush: The New Playbook for Year-Round Coastal Communities,” sharing insights drawn from the experiences of coastal cities in Greece, Cyprus and across the Mediterranean. His keynote addressed lessons learned in markets that prioritised tourism and foreign capital flows, sometimes at the expense of local communities.
Among the key takeaways highlighted:
- Avoid overreliance on tourism, which can strain infrastructure during peak season while creating economic stagnation during off-peak months.
- Branded and high-end residential developments can add value, but must be carefully balanced to prevent long-term affordability challenges for local residents.
- Diversification strategies — including attracting digital nomads, promoting wellness tourism, or developing senior living infrastructure — can help extend economic activity beyond the summer season.
- Each diversification model requires targeted investment and a medium- to long-term strategic commitment.
- Most importantly, sustainable success depends on placing local communities at the centre of development planning.
The event provided a stimulating platform for thoughtful exchange and forward-looking dialogue on shaping resilient, inclusive and economically balanced coastal cities.
We are delighhted to have contributed to this important conversation and thank ULI Poland/Czech Republic for the invitation and the opportunity to share our perspective.