Travelling News Greece November 2009 (English Version)

8/14/2019 Travelling News Greece November 2009 (English Version)

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http://news.travelling.gr

A selection of The Best Hotelsand Tourism companiesin Greece

MONTHLY TOURISM & FINANCIAL NEWS PAPER NOVEMBER 2009 ISSUE NO. 154 12th YEAR

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HATTA celebrated World TourismDay 2009 with a special tour of theNew Acropolis Museum and a re-ception at the Ionian Centre.The event played host to represen-tatives of political leadership, poli-tical parties, ambassadors, repre-sentatives of stakeholders in air,ferry and cruise companies, mem-bers of HATTA, and journalists. Theevent was also well attended by re-presentatives of travel agency and

tour operator associations frommany foreign markets, headed byMr Akis Kelepesi, President of EC-TAA (European Travel Agents' andTour Operators' Association), fromCyprus, which holds the presiden-cy of ECTAA, as well as an IFTO (In-ternational Federation of TourOperators) delegation, presentlybeing hosted by Greece, and hea-ded by its President, Mr MartinBrackenbury.

The international guests respon-ded to HATTA's invitation to cele-brate World Tourism Day and to di-scuss matters of common interest.HATTA President, Mrs Argiro Fili,noted in her welcome address,"This year, HATTA felt obliged tohonor Greece's most importantcultural event of the year: the ope-ning of the Acropolis Museum wh-ich hosts exhibits of global con-cern". Mrs Fili further told guests:

"In parallel, we responded to theneed for a special event for thoseinvolved in tourism at the Muse-um: because tourism and cultureare two interrelated concepts, be-cause all of us involved in tourism,support and should support withall our might the emergence of ourcountry's cultural wealth, becauseHATTA members, the country's to-urist offices, producers and distri-butors of the tourism product, bo-

th in joy and out of obligation enri-ch our tourism product by takingvisitors to places of cultural interestand, of course, contribute with alltheir forces so that the AcropolisMuseum will, over time, enjoy hallsfilled with visitors".The evening ended with an hono-rable award presented to journalistMaya Tsokli for her contribution totourism and travel journalism.

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For the past year, no mater where you looked, heard or talked the is-sue has been and still is theworldwide economic crisis. On theTV, the radio, Web, e-mails, blogs,

forums, round table discussions,newspapers, magazines, publicspeeches, private discussions,our October general elections, etc.One big miserable situation. Youdon't see people smiling any mo-re, they are gloomy and have notolerance. Wow!

" E NOUGH! No wonder theeconomy has slowed down.With all of this buzz it couldhave been much worse.What is even worse is that businesspeople/entrepreneurs of the traveland tourism industry have fallen in-to the same trap. The trap of justmopping and not doing anything orwaiting from the government tosolve all the problems and whenthings get real tough then roll upour the sleeves, Obama style andtake action. I don't think that this ishow business is conducted.I'll give you an international exampleof what I am saying. A couple of days ago Expedia pulled all ChoiceHotels' inventory off its Web sites,because the negotiations that had

did not work out. Expedia on theone hand has come up with a state-ment for their action and on theother hand Choice Hotels blamesExpedia for the result. This is sillyand it gets even better. Now, theCEO of Choice Hotels says that theyhave an action which will take them

out of this situation, with a a multi-pronged plan.My question is: didn't they havesuch a plan already! Were they run-ning on automatic pilot! Expediawoke them up!We do not have anything againstExpedia or Choice Hotels but this is

reality, for the entire travel andtourism industry worldwide. It hasbeen a carefree industry, which re-quired less effort than other indus-tries and the people involvedworked intensively during high sea-sons and relaxed during the low.Things have changed. The word re-

lax and low season should be abol-ished from the travel and tourismindustry dictionary. Our effortsshould be equally distributedthroughout the year and they

should also employ modern meth-ods, in all fields not just the Internetand telecommunications. As the as-sets of the hotel industry are refur-bished every so often, the sameshould apply in the methods andtechniques, in all fields. Operations,marketing, finance, etc.What is really extraordinary to hearfrom the industry is: I am listed onthe Internet I don't need to do ad-vertisements, or go to exhibitions,or print a brochure, or send out amailing, etc. - theses methods areold fashion and surpassed. NO!These are the tools available and wehave to make a fine combination tohave a positive result.Tell me what do you tell the Choicefranchisee who said, In this eco-nomic disaster, these two giants arebehaving like adolescent boys. I ownseveral Choice brand hotels. I am anindependent business person whowill likely not survive this loss in salesI will experience while the big boysare having a pissing contest.Its a new ball game. We have to re-evaluate the entire mix.

Its a new ball game.

HATTA Celebrates World Tourism Day 2009at the New Acropolis Museum

Expedia has cut off negotiationswith Choice Hotels Internationaland has removed Choice's proper-ties from its sites, which include Ex-pedia.com and Hotels.com

Like many other major hotelbrands, Choice Hotels, have beenworking to negotiate a renewal of a brand-wide wholesale agreementwith Expedia.

According to Choice Hotels, Expe-dia wanted them to "give up con-trol of their inventory and pricingand wanted to penalize franchiseeswho did not give Expedia 100%access all the time".

Expedia on the other hand cameup with the following announce-ment: "At this time, Expedia Inc. isno longer offering Choice Hotels

International properties on oursites. This is due to an inability toreach an agreement on the termsof a new contract with Choice, de-spite numerous extensions grantedby Expedia in the hopes of secur-ing a mutually acceptable dealsince the original contract expiredin May 2007.

In view of this development,

Choice Hotels International is re-drawing its strategy and has amulti-pronged plan consisting of advertising, e-mail campaign toreward members, an affiliate mar-keting program, an advance-pur-chase rate program, a paid searchoptimization, mobile advertising,strengthen best Internet rate guar-antees, exposure on television, anew interactive agency for hotels

participating in the cooperativeprogram, create a joint venturewith another major group/meetingsales force to sell Choice hotels.

While the corporate headquartersare battling away, Choice fran-chisee's feel that they will not beable to cover the loss of sales.

Expedia pulled all Choice Hotels International inventory off

its Web sites

s President Mrs Argiro Fili with ECTAAsPresident Mr. Akis Kelepesis.

Journalist Maya Tsokli accepts award from HATTA. HATTAs Board of Directors together with ex NTOGPresident John Kofinis.


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A group of residences is for sale at theisland of Ithaca in Greece in extent of 3.6 acres.

The estate consists of a maisonette of 164 s.m.,two studios of 50 s.m. each, swimming pool andsurroundings with olive trees.

All three residences are amphitheatrically built, with seaand mountain view, only 100 meters walking distancefrom the beach. The estate was built in 2006 and isone kilometer away from the capital of the island,Vathi.

Contact details: Mrs. Paizi DiamantoTel 0030 6979772006, 0030 210 8055435,0030 26740 33537.e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

F o r S al e

5853 02 Mastichari, Kos Island GreeceTel: +30 22420 41480Fax: +30 22420 41574E mail: [email protected] www.neptune.gr

NEPTUNE HOTELS RESORTCONVENTION CENTRE & SPA

Along one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the island, near to the graphic village of Mastichari you will find Neptune Hotels Re-sort, Convention Centre & Spa; a luxurious hotel complex that it is

built in the unique style of the traditional Greek Island architecture. It consists of 570twin rooms, suites and apartments featuring deluxe facilities and equipped with all the modern comforts. In its elegant re-

ception areas, decorated with fine arts, you will find four restaurants; where you will enjoy exceptional creations from the internationaland Greek cuisine, eight bars; for moments of sheer pleasure and perfection, leaving you with long lasting memories and wonderfulimpressions.There are four exterior swimming-pools, from which 1 is heated, 1 internal, 4 tennis courts, mini soccer field, basket ball court, beachvolley, squash, badminton, Chip & Putt golf, mountain bike centre, sailing & surfing station and varied other athletic activities are avai-lable to give your holidays a more attractive dimension. At the hotels premises you will also find: a doctors office, mini market, hair-dresser's saloon, jewellery shop, boutique and souvenirs shop.Neptune Hotels makes up a very special conference destination in Greece. At the Neptune Convention Centre, with its 23 meeting roomsand exhibition facilities for up to 1500 delegates, you will experience an environment fully designed for both business and pleasure thateffortlessly blends the two with close attention to the smallest detail. However, the highlight of Neptune Hotels is the Neptune Spa, anopportunity to enjoy the lovely body treatments and facials that will surely rejuvenate your body and soul. Escape from the daily stressinto our relaxing world for soul and spirit, face and body.

10,Korytsas , 17 455 Alimos, Athens ,GreeceTel.+(30) 210 9820680 Fax +(30) 210 9820861,Mobile (+30) 6944514490e-mail: [email protected] www.globusyachting.com.

e-mail:[email protected] us to introduce to you a more luxurious approach of vacations. Be sure that we will take you tothe best beaches, islands but you will also find the scenery of the Greek islands magnificent even whenyou are just enjoying your boat ride. The Greek island beaches are absolutely beautiful. Enjoy themwith us!

Since the days of Udysseus the irresistible beauty of the Greek Islands has continued to intrigue thetraveling yachtsman. Relax on the deck of our yacht as your experienced crew guides you throughthese bewitching islands. White chapels... Black and white sands... Cobalt Seas... Stunning!

The collection of yachts you'll find on Globus Yachting has been carefully hand-picked to represent thebest yachts and the best values that you'll find. All of our yachts offer comfortable accommodationsconsistent with their price range, excellent cuisine and a qualified crew.

After years of speculation, discussions,stagnation, search for investors, and amyriad of "things", the new"Olympic" is hear and its new name isOlympic Air. Along with Olympic Aircome Olympic Handling, the ground

handling and cargo service companyand Olympic Engineering, which is themaintenance, repair and overhaulcompany. The investment in aircraftand spare parts reach the 1.1 billionUSD. Thirty two aircraft will carry theOlympic Air logo and the Greek flag todomestic and international destina-tions and the new company has signedcode share agreements with major in-ternational airlines to cover its cus-tomers' travel needs, with ultimategoal to join the SKYTEAM.

All of this in just 5 months of work...anew airline from scratch! WhenGreeks want to get things done, theyget it done in record time. Just to re-mind everyone, look at what hap-pened with the 2004 AthensOlympics.

What does all this mean? For starters,the new Olympic provides jobs to alarge group of people, at these tryingdays, but most important it opensdoorways to Greece, either through itsown flights or through the code shar-ing agreements with other airlines.This is major!. The "very old timers"use to beg authorities to have a road

pass by their towns or cities, becausethis made it possible for people to stopby and leave money, do business withthe locals, or even come and live there.The exact same thing applies with air-lines. They create new roads which

translate to development, commerce,tourism, promotion of Greece...youname it.

One thing we have to have in mind isthat the new Olympic is a private com-pany with all that comes with all andany private company. With this said,the thing that comes to my mind iswhat happened with the airlines in theUS. I know, its not the same thing butcompetition has lots of roads to de-struction and this is one thing wewould not like to see, because thereare airlines already providing theseservices that no one would like to seethem disappear.

On the other hand competition is verygood when kept within healthygrounds. It can bring quality, options,new services as well as better prices forthe consumer. The later should not beused as the battle ground, because theother benefits will follow with cata-strophic results.

So, we wish Olympic Air good luck andgood flights for their clients, Greekand international, the employees andthe investors.

Good flights, Olympic Air!


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Argentikon Luxury Suites Facilities and Guest Services

Restaurant, Bar, Pool Bar, Residents Reading-Sitting Room, Room Service (breakfast)Central Air Conditioning and Heat, Direct-dial telephone, LCD satellite TV, Extensive gardens with walking

paths ADSL wireless Internet access, Safe, Business Center, Fireplace, Exercise room, Sauna,

Massage Room In-room massage/beauty treatments, Jacuzzi & Power massage Shower Transportation to and from Airport or Port Outdoor swimming pool

Argentikon Luxury Suites consists of Suites only, all with an exquisite view of the gar-dens.

All rates include American breakfast served to your suite or at the outdoor dining area.

All accommodations feature a living room, veranda, central air conditioning, LCD satelliteTV, radio & DVD players, wireless ADSL internet access, direct-dial telephone, mini-bar,marble-lined bathroom, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, luxury Hermes bathroom amenitiesand laundry - dry cleaning services. Housekeeping attention is provided twice daily.

Distances Four km from Chios International Airport, Six km from Chios center

Recommended by CondeNast Johansens, Member of Great Small Hotels, Member of Exclusive Island Hotels & Resorts

2005 - 2009 ... 5 Years Of Excellence

Contact details: Argentikon Luxury Suites - Kambos, 821 00 Chios Greece, Tel. (+30).22710.33111, Fax (+30).22710.31465, Email:[email protected] , Web:www.argentikon.gr

Yria Resort Cycladiki S.A.,Parasporos Bay, Paros84400 Greece. tel. ++302284024154 fax++302284021167Website : www.yriahotel.gr Email : [email protected]

Yria hotel, member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Located at Parasporos bay at the west side of Paros island, on a property of 22000 sq. m. All types of accommodationfeature climatization, direct dial telephone, Internet access, satellite TV, DVD-cd player, music channels, mini bar, safedeposit box, hair dryer in bathroom, high quality amenities, terrace/balcony. The lounge provide Readers corner, In-ternet facilities / wireless access connection and boutique. Covered terrace by the pool and children pool. Light meals

and drinks offered by the pool. Gourmet dining by Chef Achilleus and his team create Mediterranean specialties. Freeuse of the gym room, the tennis court, sunbeds and pool towels encourage enjoyment and exercise. Hotel chapel isavailable for private ceremonies and a meeting room (capacity 120 pax with technical equipment and secretarial ser-vice).

Efficient and compromising personal service is a promiss

Greece Tel: +30 210 983 63 12 Fax:+30 210 982 79 19Tel (24 hours service): GSM +30 6944 310 140Skype id:yachtsgreecewww.yachtsgreece.come-mail: [email protected].

Charter

Each yacht you will find from us meets our high standards in respect to quality construction, reliability,meticulous maintenance and professional crewing.They compose a selection of the best Crewed and Bareboat Yachts available in the East Mediterraneanand include motor yachts, motor sailers and sailing yachts. Most of our prices are available online.If you are enquiring about bareboat prices, please send us an email at: [email protected] and wewill send you the bareboat prices.Add the excellent personalized service of Nikos Odysseas Papadakis Yachts, and you have the perfectpotential for an unforgettable yachting experience.

Ya c h t i n g g r e e c ea c h t i n g g r e e c e

85, Vouliagmenis Ave.Athens 16674 GreeceTel: +30 210 9604250, Fax: +30 210 9644943

USA OPERATION CENTER: 1-800-507-7095E-mail: [email protected] www.stepsofpaul.gr

Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises in cooperation with our parent company CruiseClub Holidays, Tour Opera-tor Athens, Greece has the pleasure of offering you our package of LANDCruises, which on one hand in-corporates the philisophy of our cruises, while on the other, our assurance of high quality, personalattention and fellowship found aboard our ships.

So, either for a group of any size or being part of our set departures, we can always add services andovernights, in order to offer the complete experience for your customers.

Welcome to the Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises LANDCruises!

The international financial crisis, apartfrom any negative growth impacts, re-stored to the fore the debate sur-rounding the effectiveness of economic development models. Seenin this light, it is imperative as well asuseful to review the roles of variouseconomic activities industry-wide.Especially for the economy of Greece,whose structural problems have formany years enabled the country to de-velop to the desired extent, it is nec-essary to rethink the role of tourism in

general economic policy.Tourism has shown over time that itsplace in the economy is more resistantto shocks from other sectors and canalso recover much faster. As a result,the review of our country's develop-ment model should definitely considera new role for tourism. It was in thisvery light that SETE (Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises) was chosenfor the 8th Congress on "Tourism &Growth".

8th Congress of SETETourism & GrowthThe role of tourism in alternating phases of the economy:Long Term Planning and operational.

vember 20091010

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Documents

Travelling News Greece November 2009 (English Version)