In a move that underscores its strategic shift toward sustainable tourism initiatives and meaningful support for local communities, Airbnb announced new funding for the City of Athens — via the Athens Partnership — aimed at supporting revitalization works on Lycabettus Hill. This is one of the capital’s most emblematic and frequented areas, which for decades has combined natural landscape, cultural heritage, and open-air artistic activity.
The platform’s investment is part of a wider program to support major public spaces around the world, with the goal of improving the experience of residents and visitors while highlighting each city’s unique identity. In Athens, the choice of Lycabettus is no coincidence: it is one of the city’s most recognizable natural landmarks, offering panoramic views, a historic theater, and thousands of daily visitors.
What Airbnb’s new funding includes
Airbnb’s contribution focuses on the restoration and reconstruction of various parts of the hill, aiming to improve accessibility, safety, and overall functionality of the area.
A central project involves upgrading the wooden fence that runs along the hill. The fence acts both as a functional boundary and as a symbolic gateway to one of Athens’ most important open-air cultural spaces. Its reconstruction ensures protection, comfort, and a cohesive visit experience — especially for families and visitors who climb the hill every day.
City of Athens and Airbnb: The collaboration for Lycabettus
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, described the collaboration as “another important step” toward completing the works that have been ongoing on the hill in recent years. As he stated:
“We have already carried out extensive interventions, planting more than 1,250 new trees, repairing dozens of wooden footbridges, and restoring irrigation systems that had been problematic for over two decades. With Airbnb’s partnership, we further strengthen our efforts to create a safer, more beautiful, and more welcoming Lycabettus for everyone.”
Local authorities view Lycabettus not only as a green space but also as a timeless hub of culture, social activity, and daily recreation. The new collaboration is expected to reinforce the continuation of this strategy.
Airbnb’s position: investment in public spaces and sustainable cities
From Airbnb’s side, Valentina Reino, Head of Public Policy & Campaigns for Italy, Greece, and Southern Europe, emphasized that the company aims to support “responsible and sustainable travel,” as well as the preservation of cities’ cultural character:
“Our collaboration with the City of Athens for the restoration of Lycabettus Hill reflects our commitment to strengthening local heritage and residents’ quality of life. By reconstructing footpaths and infrastructure, we aim to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.”
The company highlights that such initiatives form part of a global strategy to support public spaces that act as meeting points and cultural touchstones for communities.
Lycabettus: A landmark with history and presence
Lycabettus remains a vibrant core of Athens. Its historic theater has hosted top concerts and international productions for decades, while its walking paths provide a daily green refuge for residents.
The new partnership between Airbnb and the City of Athens signals that the city is entering a period in which the preservation and sustainable enhancement of public spaces are becoming central priorities. At the same time, it highlights the role of private-sector contributions in projects that improve the urban environment and quality of life.
A strategic Airbnb investment
Airbnb’s funding for Lycabettus is not merely a technical upgrade; it forms part of a broader conversation about how sustainable tourism can coexist with the strengthening of local communities. This initiative serves as an example of public–private cooperation that can contribute to a greener, more human-centered, and more modern Athens.
