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Vasilis Triantafillou analyses the philosophy of Mediterranean Traditional Mansions, a company created in Greece and expanded all over Mediterranean
Travel Daily News: Why and how did you decide to unite the MTMs?
Vassilis Triantafillou: As a starting point, I must emphasize that in the last few years the structure of the international tourism industry has dramatically diversified, developing a strong demand for quality tourism. This is a fact that should not be ignored by the Greek sector. The point is, that having foreseen the international dimensions of Greek tourism, my role as an entrepreneur in today’s tourism market invokes upon me the challenges of reestablishing and reorganizing – to a national and international level – what Greek tourism has to offer. That’s how the idea for this project started, about 5 years ago, before I had returned to Greece. The modern day customer is more demanding and “smarter”, also known as “CC – clever customer”. He defines the strategy of the tourism businesses, not we. During the past four years our company, through visitations to certain establishments – discretely and anonymously – conducted extensive first hand research in order to select from a starting list of 513 guesthouses located in Greece and 35 other small hotels that fulfill the high expectations of this ambitious enterprise. The first members that showed belief in this ambitious endeavor also gave me the courage to continue, because there were many obstacles during the research period. It is worth noting that all the costs for this project were supported by personal resources and with total indifference from the government, which continues to declare that it supports every new business enterprise. It was quite a large investment on my part and it becomes all the more obvious, day-by-day, that it was a very clever and lucrative move.
TDN: What are your basic requirement for selection and approval of membership in Mediterranean Traditional Mansions
V.T. : The basic points for selection of the establishments were: impeccable service, the quality of all spaces in the establishment and the timeless historical presence. What we expect is that the needs of the visitor are met by a fully luxurious space, combined with a vivid historic ambience. Through Mediterranean Traditional Mansions, we spotlight the historic Greek tradition of the buildings and heirlooms that carry centuries of history, along with the well renowned Greek hospitality. With the same goal in mind, we also approached historical mansions along the Mediterranean basin, creating a network of hospitable and unique destinations for Greek and foreign visitors. Mediterranean traditional Mansions is concerned with sales promotion and advertisement on an international level through various methods. (Internet, CRS, GDS, World Tourism Exhibitions, Press Releases, Newsletters, Brochures & Catalogues). Our goal is to create a fervent clientele from around the world, for the selected mansions. This can be achieved by systematic, effective, and responsible operation of this institution. In 2005, with the first edition of our extravagant brochure, we are proud to introduce the 82 members (from almost all the Mediterranean countries). In this small time span, we have even been present at international tourism exhibitions. I would also like to mention that there are only about 10 other businesses, which are similar to ours, around the world. This gives us a significant edge in this sector. It is not by chance that we have already been suggested by the French Ministry of commerce, as nominees for the award in innovative solutions for tourism – French Riviera Chamber of Commerce – Tourism@Awards 2004
TDN: Talk to me about the state of Greek tourism. What do you think will happen this year, in view of last year`s Olympic Games?
V.T. : For all the Greek entrepreneurs, it is now necessary for them to adopt the conscience and tendencies of the new tourism sector. They need to change the structure of their company and invest in technology accompanied by a qualified staff, so that they can compete with today’s market and augment their commercial power. Unfortunately we are talking about refutable circumstances, in a country that is aging commercially. Entrepreneurs 55-65 years of age hold 90% of the management and ownership positions in the Greek tourism industry, without any promising successors for these positions.
Therefore we will be caught up in a difficult situation. The Greek tourism industry will shrink and become unorganized. We, as a company, are 100% prepared. The classic principles of the habitual manager has been desegregated, giving away his position to the multidimensional institution of the manager “by walking around – popular manager = employee.
The Greek people must realize that there is a dire need for conscience cultivation, education, politics and consistency for our goals. We live in a Country were it is well known how lavishly endowed it is with civilization, history, nature, with a gifted people, unrivalled creativeness and a high sense of hospitality. Tourism is the essential wealth of our country, and it is rapidly losing its place that we once had on the international scale. It is distressing that we try every year with fictitious ways to convince, more so ourselves, that we “close” borderline every tourism period with only a low decrease, not an increase.
The Olympic games that we so deservingly organized are not enough. If we do not work hard enough and build upon it, we will not be able to go forward and improve. A lot of work and effort must be invested, and above all responsibility, sincerity and solidity.
The Olympic games was definitely the best advertisement for Greece. All those who experienced the magical atmosphere those 2 months would agree that it was the most beautiful thing Greece has displayed, in these past few years, to her worldwide public. A public of which 70% would like to visit Greece at least once in their lifetime, in accordance with the worldwide tourism organization exhibition. We must take advantage of the international fame we have in tourism so that we may build upon what the Olympic games brought to our country, and take part in the development of the international image of Greece and the acceptance of our country to the world that is emerging into the international playing field with an enriched status. Already this year’s results are promising with a 3-5% increase in rank, but it is imperative that we do not ignore the continuous decrease in the last few years. We have a very difficult road ahead of us.
TDN: Where are most of your clients from?
V.T. : Our clientele is very difficult to geographically chart, because even now its diversity has astounded us. The reservations we make are from all around the world. Clients know what they need and they research before they travel. Now with our suggested destination is sure to feel home away from home.
TDN: What are the reactions of clients that have stayed at the mansions.
V.T. : Our clients until now have had the most wonderful experiences; I will let them speak for themselves.
The following is one of the many letters our clients have sent: “I recently spent three weeks in Greece (15 Sep – 7 Oct 2004) on a tour booked by U.G Travel here in Canada, through your agency. My trip included three separate stays in Athens, a five-day bus tour of mainland highlights, and time on four separate islands: Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete.
I am pleased to report that the execution of these complex arrangements by your company was flawless. All the staff during our stay was invariably punctual and polite. The itinerary was very detailed, and so there was great scope for things to go wrong, yet you met every requirement and made my trip a trouble free and very enjoyable one. I thank you, most sincerely, for your professional effort on my behalf. I should make one other point. All properties that were selected by you to accommodate our needs on the four islands were just superb. Nothing can describe the friendliness & uniqueness of all the properties we have stayed in, they are the best we have come across. You should be aware of the extensive efforts that all the employees have exhibited at the above-mentioned properties”.
* Vassilis was born in Thessalonica. He spent a significant period of time in Canada, studying Business Management and specializing in e-commerce and marketing. He continued on to the tourism sector and focused on hotel management, all in all, Tourism Businesses. He returned to Greece by the end of 2000, start of 2001 in order to take over the management of a Tourism Company.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
