HOTREC Re-elected Vassilikos to Lead European Industry
The trade association's leadership will maintain its current policy strategy through the 2028 mandate.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hospitality
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Alexandros Vassilikos secured a third consecutive term as President of HOTREC, the European umbrella organization for hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The election took place during the 93rd General Assembly in Vilnius, confirming leadership for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Why it matters
The re-election provides institutional continuity for the group as it engages in ongoing European policy discussions. The leadership remains focused on representing the interests of approximately 2 million businesses across the hospitality sector.
HOTREC represents 2 million businesses and 10 million employees across 47 national associations in 36 countries. President Alexandros Vassilikos begins his 3rd consecutive term after being re-elected at the 93rd General Assembly.
The players
Alexandros Vassilikos
The President of HOTREC and operator of the AIROTEL Group, a hotel chain with properties in Athens, Patra, and Kavala.
HOTREC
The primary European umbrella association representing 47 national organizations in the hospitality sector.
Morten Thorvaldsen
A re-elected Vice-President of HOTREC who helps lead the organization's policy and advocacy work.
Adrian Cummins
A re-elected Treasurer of HOTREC tasked with the financial oversight of the hospitality industry group.
The details
HOTREC functions as a social partner that bridges the gap between private hospitality operators and European regulatory bodies. The Executive Committee, including re-elected Vice-President Morten Thorvaldsen and Treasurer Adrian Cummins, oversees the organization's policy positions and advocacy efforts. By maintaining this leadership, the association continues its established approach to EU-wide hospitality regulations.
Timeline
Alexandros Vassilikos was first elected HOTREC President in 2022.
The 93rd General Assembly occurred on October 13, 2026, in Vilnius.
The new presidential mandate covers the 2027-2028 period.
The 94th General Assembly is scheduled for April 21-23, 2027, in Santorini.
Market Landscape
The vote solidifies the current leadership path that began with the 2022 HOTREC presidential election. This continuity signals that the organization intends to maintain its existing approach to European policy advocacy for the coming term.
Operators in Europe should prepare for consistent advocacy positions on hospitality regulations through at least 2028. Owners should monitor updates from the association to track how ongoing policy discussions at the European level may impact local operational compliance requirements.
The takeaway
Leadership stability often signals that an organization will stick to its current regulatory priorities rather than shifting strategy. Hospitality operators should review the latest policy circulars from their national member associations to understand the immediate impact of the group's ongoing advocacy.
What happens next
The 94th General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Santorini, Greece, from April 21 to 23, 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry advocacy and policy trends, see our Hospitality section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GTP Headlines.
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