It’s now more than a year since the beginning of Covid-19, a pandemic that has overthrown every social and economic norm we were used to. Following its rapid spread, a shocked world was forced to find new ways, new solutions to get by in an unfamiliar environment. Perhaps when this is all over some of our new habits will remain, bringing with them exciting and previously unforeseen new developments. Or perhaps the only things this challenging time will leave us with are scars. Regardless, the goals, the needs and the drivers remain the same even if the framework is different. Adaptability is, and remains to be, at the core of our evolution.
The start of this new tourism season finds us, or at least should find us, better prepared than the first. On the medical side, our knowledge of Covid-19 places us in a far better position than we were this time last year, when everything about the virus, its function and treatment, was unknown. There are now many vaccines, and the western world is being vaccinated at a rapid rate. Governments and other institutions have adapted their policies to deal with domestic disruptions, sometimes successfully, other times less so. Although the financial loss at both a macro and micro level is colossal, household savings appear to be significantly increased. The psychological fatigue of the population is accompanied by a very strong desire to return to what was previously considered a given, with free social activity and travel as a priority. Evidence from a number of studies, research papers and analyses leads to the conclusion of an expected v-shaped recovery for travel. In China, which preceded the cycle of the pandemic, recovery has already been seen, surpassing even the most optimistic forecasts with a full return to pre-pandemic levels.
The progression of the tourism season of 2021, despite epidemiological data suggesting it appears to be in danger, depends on our choices and the speed of which they are received. In 2020, the lack of a stable framework between feeder countries and destinations, an inability to communicate and adopt a consistent framework between them, and the consequent failure to create reliable operations for the tourism network despite enormous efforts by stakeholders, led to what is now the biggest blow and biggest threat to world tourism: the loss of consumer trust. Only through a stable framework, even if it seems more restrictive than what is deemed necessary, can we achieve the best possible outcome under current health and safety regulations, safely capitalising on an intense desire for holidays. The retrospective success or failure of 2021 will determine the extent of the impact of the next two years on the tourism industry, shaping how its network will function for the next five to ten years.
At DHR Services, we have a history in the hospitality industry that spans back to 1964. We hold the experience of having been present in all the phases of our country’s tourism sector over the past six decades. We collect data from hotels scattered throughout the country, liaising with our clients and partners, and providing a trustworthy, safe and efficient service for the design and implementation of their investments. We constantly look out for trends in the world tourism ecosystem, collecting data and evaluating dynamics. Our cooperation with institutional investors abroad and upscale hotel franchisors strengthens our vision with a global outlook and direct access to the starting point of developments. However, in our current times, experience, dedication and structured research are not enough. Now is the time to open up even more. Now is the time to listen very carefully to the community.
The white paper serves to address these aforementioned topics, looking forward to the future while opening up productive dialogues in the present. It is time to evaluate this new era, gathering the views and predictions of top figures in the tourism and investment sectors, and exploring how these two sectors will coexist with the shared goal of development and growth. There were five key issues set for evaluation: visitor intent, distribution, market disruptions, long-term perspectives and new opportunities. For answers, we turned to leading institutional figures and entrepreneurs in tourism, international hotel executives, Greek and international financial institutions, leaders of the travel industries in both Greece and abroad, and also technical participants of a classic output. In addition, we have commissioned Metron Analysis to conduct quantitative research on top executives in the travel industry serving to record the effects of the pandemic, travelers’ reactions and sentiments, and most importantly, their intentions for the future.
Greece has potential, and Greece is ready. New policies are steering the nation in the right direction, investment appetite is huge and apparent, and there are strong prospects for improvement and development even greater than those seen in 2019. The next decade will be an adventure, a journey into the new era. As we step out of the darkness and into the light, we must still watch our steps. We need a guide, we need a safe and sustainable path to walk on and we need teams and partnerships.
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After completing her Bachelor in Business Administration (Minor in Science and Economy) at the American College of Thessaloniki, she continued with an MBA in Hospitality Marketing at Les Roches School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and a Diploma of Higher Education in International Tourism “The French approach” from the Universite Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne. She has been running the family owned hotel for almost twenty years, initially as an Operations Manager and later on as General Manager and CEO. She has been a member of the Board of Directors in Thessaloniki’s Hotels Association and has participated as a guest speaker in several lectures and seminars such as Yield Managementin Les Roches (Bluche, Switzerland), and Operations Management Principles and Housekeeping Principles in CMH (Paris, France).
Konstantinos Alexopoulos has been a professional in the Greek hospitality industry for two decades with extensive experience in hotel
management, operation and consulting. He is the CEO of Domotel Hotels & Resorts Group, which has a history of more than 15 years in its current form and a heritage in the hospitality sector which began in 1964. Additionally, he holds the position of CEO at DHR Services,
supporting hospitality brands through his extensive know-how in the industry; both positions are reinforced by his ten years of experience in the construction sector in Greece and the Balkans, which furthered his knowledge of local markets. Having completed his Degree as a Civil Engineer at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, he continued with a Master in Science in “Construction Economics and Management” in UCL and a Master of Arts in Hospitality Management in Middlesex University. Furthermore, he has attended two complementary training programs in finance and management at the University of Macedonia. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greek Tourism Enterprises Confederation (SETE) and the treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Institute of SETE, a member of the Leadership Committee of the Hellenic – American Chamber of Commerce and holds positions in a number of Boards of Directors of other organizations.
Experienced Strategic Marketing & Communications professional with a proven track record of developing successful marketing campaigns & corporate communication plans,, brand building, driving digital transformation and delivering measurable business growth. Her academic background in Economics, Marketing & Digital coupled with 25 years of experience in the services industry in SE Europe, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all customer touch points. As a seasoned marketer, with multidisciplinary corporate background in Banking, Hospitality & Technology, she specialises in developing and executing strategy & comprehensive marketing plans that help companies reach their business goals.
Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for innovation and a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. Her ability to think both creatively and strategically combined with deep customer-centric knowledge delivers the highest standards of services from startups to listed companies & multinational brands.
Graduating with distinction from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Nephelie demonstrated an early passion for numbers and analytical thinking. What sets Nephelie apart is her unwavering commitment to merging her financial skills with technology.
She embarked on a journey into Android development, driven by a curiosity to leverage technology for financial empowerment. Through dedication and hard work, she not only mastered programming languages such as Java and Kotlin but also developed a deep understanding of mobile app development.
Her remarkable accomplishments in Android development were further underscored by the acquisition of four highly competitive scholarships during her academic journey. As a financial analyst with a remarkable track record in Android development, Nephelie embodies the perfect blend of analytical precision and technological innovation. With a history of scholarship recognition and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in every combined field.
Konstantinos studied Economics at the University of Piraeus, and has a finance and accounting professional background with seven years of experience in the industry.
He perfectly deals with financial management and reporting, and handles the financial operations of DHR Services, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting.
He works closely with the senior management team to develop and implement strategic financial plans to drive growth and profitability.
Helen works in Marketing field for 18y, in multinational companies, handling brands not only in Greece, but also in European countries, like Cyprus and Malta. She was responsible to increase brand awareness, market share and finally sales of many famous brands, which lead to be no1 in their industry.
She handles marketing plans for all 7 properties of Domotel Hotels & Resorts, in online and offline media, aiming to increase brand awareness for target groups not only in Greek market, but abroad as well.
She constantly studies competition, promotes facilities, and provides actions to build strong customer relationships.
In charge of optimizing online presence and distribution and improving the hotels’ online performance of Domotel Hotels and Resorts, Minas is a highly motivated and hardworking professional with more than 20 years of experience in various sectors of the tourism industry specializing in the ecommerce & online media channels.
Creative personality with innovative ideas and a “can do” attitude.
Able to meet deadlines in a professional and timely manner.
Matina has 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and has worked in some of the biggest hotel chains in Greece (Grecotel Hotels & Resorts) as well as worldwide chain, (Accor Hotels) in different managerial roles in Reservations, Banquet and Sales in diverse types of hotels (resorts, city and airport hotels).
She has participated in new hotel openings and numerous hospitality events.
Currently, she handles the corporate sales for all 7 properties of Domotel Hotels & Resorts as well as the New Business Development.
She constantly builds relationships with corporate clients and collaborates closely with Reservations, Banquet Department and Senior Management aiming to increase sales and ensure excellent customer service.
With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Foteini has honed her expertise in revenue management, guest satisfaction, and strategic planning.
Most of her professional journey was dedicated to one of the biggest international hotel chains, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, where she contributed for more than a decade in various capacities.
Part of her current duties is to maximize profitability by defining the pricing strategies and react quickly and decisively to demand patterns.
She participates in every hotel opening, and she is also responsible for the room revenue forecasting and budgeting.
She studied Civil Engineering in the Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, and then obtained a Master of Science Degree in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics at Imperial College of Science & Medicine in London.
Fifteen years ago, she was the co-founder of PMA Engineering, a new design company in Greece. She was responsible for the quality assessment and management of the company, the staff training and appraisal, as well as the implementation and management of ISO 9001: 2008.
She moved to the field of HR, driven by her passion to work with people and helping them reach their full potential. During her career in Domotel Hotels & Resorts, she introduced a data-driven and analytical approach to HR strategy and implemented an innovative training and development programs to help employees grow and thrive.
She works closely with teams across properties, ensuring that employees fit perfect to their roles and that HR policies and procedures align with business.
Manolis is a C-level executive with 28 years of experience in roles of high responsibility in the hospitality sector, to include Managing Director of Chandris Hotels & Resorts, oversaw five hotels, Board Member of SETE (Greek Tourism Confederation), Member of the External Advisory Board of University of the Aegean, Project Director for the renovation and opening new hotels and Executive Consultant of SGS, a leading multinational certification company in Greece, for the establishment and development of the Hospitality Department.
Skilled in handling complex daily business operations, setting strategic policies and parameters that drive operational efficiency, coordinating staff and creating productive working environments, designing advanced business process improvement plans and profit analysis reporting systems which improve procedures, business performance and bottom-line profits.
He is graduated from the Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece (former ASOEE), holds an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff Business School, and an MSc in Hotels Operations from the Institute of Higher Education, Glion, Switzerland. He was a champion and member of the Greek National Athletics Team in 100-200-4x100m.
Appointed General Manager for numerous global hotel brands and possess a deep understanding of hospitality and tourism industry, both in Greece and abroad.
He has been working for some of the biggest international hotel chains in the world, like Hilton Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group in Greece, while he has working experience in the market of UAE, at Rotana Hotels & Resorts & at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.
Being an Asset Manager for the ex-Ionian Hotel Enterprises SA Subsidiary of Alpha Bank, he successfully oversaw the total reconstruction and reopening of Hilton Athens.
Yiannis has served General Manager roles at Melia Hotels International for Dubai and Athens, while prior to that, he oversaw 5 properties owned and managed by Grecotel Hotels & Resorts.
Dakis is a seasoned IT expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in hotel IT systems.
With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the industry, Dakis has developed a reputation as a trusted IT and reliable expert in hotel IT solutions. He is passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
He has a deep understanding for hotel property management systems, while provides secure solutions and constant support, ensuring that properties can operate at peak efficiency.
His working experience includes airline companies, logistics, IT companies and software houses, small boutique hotels to large international hotel chains.