Travelling News Greece November 2009 (english Version)

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

A selection of The Best Hotels and Tourism companies in Greece

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Its a new ball game.

For the past year, no mater where you looked, heard or talked the issue has been and still is the worldwide economic crisis. On the TV, the radio, Web, e-mails, blogs, forums, round table discussions, newspapers, magazines, public speeches, private discussions, our October general elections, etc. One big miserable situation. You don't see people smiling any more, they are gloomy and have no tolerance. Wow!

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NOUGH! No wonder the economy has slowed down. With all of this buzz it could have been much worse. What is even worse is that business people/entrepreneurs of the travel and tourism industry have fallen into the same trap. The trap of just mopping and not doing anything or waiting from the government to solve all the problems and when things get real tough then roll up our the sleeves, “Obama style” and take action. I don't think that this is how business is conducted. I'll give you an international example of what I am saying. A couple of days ago Expedia pulled all Choice Hotels' inventory off its Web sites, because the negotiations that had

did not work out. Expedia on the one hand has come up with a statement for their action and on the other hand Choice Hotels blames Expedia for the result. This is silly and it gets even better. Now, the CEO of Choice Hotels says that they have an action which will take them

out of this situation, with a a multipronged plan. My question is: didn't they have such a plan already! Were they running on automatic pilot! Expedia woke them up! We do not have anything against Expedia or Choice Hotels but this is

reality, for the entire travel and tourism industry worldwide. It has been a carefree industry, which required less effort than other industries and the people involved worked intensively during high seasons and relaxed during the low. Things have changed. The word re-

lax and low season should be abolished from the travel and tourism industry dictionary. Our efforts should be equally distributed throughout the year and they should also employ modern methods, in all fields not just the Internet and telecommunications. As the assets of the hotel industry are refurbished every so often, the same should apply in the methods and techniques, in all fields. Operations, marketing, finance, etc. What is really extraordinary to hear from the industry is: “I am listed on the Internet – I don't need to do advertisements, or go to exhibitions, or print a brochure, or send out a mailing, etc. - theses methods are old fashion and surpassed”. NO! These are the tools available and we have to make a fine combination to have a positive result. Tell me what do you tell the Choice franchisee who said, “In this economic disaster, these two giants are behaving like adolescent boys. I own several Choice brand hotels. I am an independent business person who will likely not survive this loss in sales I will experience while the big boys are having a pissing contest.” Its a new ball game. We have to reevaluate the entire mix.

HATTA Celebrates World Tourism Day 2009 at the New Acropolis Museum

ΗΑΤΤΑs President Mrs Argiro Fili with ECTAAs Journalist Maya Tsokli accepts award from HATTA. President Mr. Akis Kelepesis. HATTA celebrated World Tourism Day 2009 with a special tour of the New Acropolis Museum and a reception at the Ionian Centre. The event played host to representatives of political leadership, political parties, ambassadors, representatives of stakeholders in air, ferry and cruise companies, members of HATTA, and journalists. The event was also well attended by representatives of travel agency and

tour operator associations from many foreign markets, headed by Mr Akis Kelepesi, President of ECTAA (European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association), from Cyprus, which holds the presidency of ECTAA, as well as an IFTO (International Federation of Tour Operators) delegation, presently being hosted by Greece, and headed by its President, Mr Martin Brackenbury.

The international guests responded to HATTA's invitation to celebrate World Tourism Day and to discuss matters of common interest. HATTA President, Mrs Argiro Fili, noted in her welcome address, "This year, HATTA felt obliged to honor Greece's most important cultural event of the year: the opening of the Acropolis Museum which hosts exhibits of global concern". Mrs Fili further told guests:

HATTAs Board of Directors together with ex NTOG President John Kofinis.

"In parallel, we responded to the need for a special event for those involved in tourism at the Museum: because tourism and culture are two interrelated concepts, because all of us involved in tourism, support and should support with all our might the emergence of our country's cultural wealth, because HATTA members, the country's tourist offices, producers and distributors of the tourism product, bo-

th in joy and out of obligation enrich our tourism product by taking visitors to places of cultural interest and, of course, contribute with all their forces so that the Acropolis Museum will, over time, enjoy halls filled with visitors". The evening ended with an honorable award presented to journalist Maya Tsokli for her contribution to tourism and travel journalism.

Expedia pulled all Choice Hotels International inventory off its Web sites Expedia has cut off negotiations with Choice Hotels International and has removed Choice's properties from its sites, which include Expedia.com and Hotels.com Like many other major hotel brands, Choice Hotels, have been working to negotiate a renewal of a brand-wide wholesale agreement with Expedia.

According to Choice Hotels, Expedia wanted them to "give up control of their inventory and pricing and wanted to penalize franchisees who did not give Expedia 100% access all the time".

International properties on our sites. This is due to an inability to reach an agreement on the terms of a new contract with Choice, despite numerous extensions granted by Expedia in the hopes of securing a mutually acceptable deal Expedia on the other hand came since the original contract expired up with the following announce- in May 2007. ment: "At this time, Expedia Inc. is no longer offering Choice Hotels In view of this development, http://news.travelling.gr

Choice Hotels International is redrawing its strategy and has a multi-pronged plan consisting of advertising, e-mail campaign to reward members, an affiliate marketing program, an advance-purchase rate program, a paid search optimization, mobile advertising, strengthen best Internet rate guarantees, exposure on television, a new interactive agency for hotels

participating in the cooperative program, create a joint venture with another major group/meeting sales force to sell Choice hotels. While the corporate headquarters are battling away, Choice franchisee's feel that they will not be able to cover the loss of sales.

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Good flights, Olympic Air!

NEPTUNE HOTELS RESORT CONVENTION CENTRE & SPA 853 02 Mastichari, Kos Island – Greece Tel: +30 22420 41480 Fax: +30 22420 41574 E mail: [email protected] www.neptune.gr

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Along one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the island, near to the graphic village of Mastichari you will find “Neptune Hotels Resort, Convention Centre & Spa”; a luxurious hotel complex that it is built in the unique style of the traditional Greek Island architecture. It consists of 570 twin rooms, suites and apartments featuring deluxe facilities and equipped with all the modern comforts. In its elegant reception areas, decorated with fine arts, you will find four restaurants; where you will enjoy exceptional creations from the international and Greek cuisine, eight bars; for moments of sheer pleasure and perfection, leaving you with long lasting memories and wonderful impressions. There are four exterior swimming-pools, from which 1 is heated, 1 internal, 4 tennis courts, mini soccer field, basket ball court, beach volley, squash, badminton, Chip & Putt golf, mountain bike centre, sailing & surfing station and varied other athletic activities are available to give your holidays a more attractive dimension. At the hotel’s premises you will also find: a doctor’s office, mini market, hairdresser'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 rooms and exhibition facilities for up to 1500 delegates, you will experience an environment fully designed for both business and pleasure that effortlessly blends the two with close attention to the smallest detail. However, the highlight of Neptune Hotels is the Neptune Spa, an opportunity to enjoy the lovely body treatments and facials that will surely rejuvenate your body and soul. Escape from the daily stress into our relaxing world for soul and spirit, face and body.

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

After years of speculation, discussions, stagnation, search for investors, and a myriad of "things", the new "Olympic" is hear and its new name is Olympic Air. Along with Olympic Air come Olympic Handling, the ground handling and cargo service company and Olympic Engineering, which is the maintenance, repair and overhaul company. The investment in aircraft and spare parts reach the 1.1 billion USD. Thirty two aircraft will carry the Olympic Air logo and the Greek flag to domestic and international destinations and the new company has signed code share agreements with major international airlines to cover its customers' travel needs, with ultimate goal to join the SKYTEAM.

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

pass by their towns or cities, because this made it possible for people to stop by and leave money, do business with the locals, or even come and live there. The exact same thing applies with airlines. They create new “roads” which translate to development, commerce, tourism, promotion of Greece...you name it.

One thing we have to have in mind is that the new Olympic is a private company with all that comes with all and any private company. With this said, the thing that comes to my mind is what happened with the airlines in the US. I know, its not the same thing but competition has lots of roads to destruction and this is one thing we would not like to see, because there All of this in just 5 months of work...a are airlines already providing these new airline from scratch! When services that no one would like to see Greeks want to get things done, they them disappear. get it done in record time. Just to remind everyone, look at what hap- On the other hand competition is very pened with the 2004 Athens good when kept within healthy Olympics. grounds. It can bring quality, options, new services as well as better prices for What does all this mean? For starters, the consumer. The later should not be the new Olympic provides jobs to a used as the battle ground, because the large group of people, at these trying other benefits will follow with catadays, but most important it opens strophic results. doorways to Greece, either through its own flights or through the code shar- So, we wish Olympic Air good luck and ing agreements with other airlines. good flights for their clients, Greek This is major!. The "very old timers" and international, the employees and use to beg authorities to have a road the investors.

All three residences are amphitheatrically built, with sea and mountain view, only 100 meters walking distance from the beach. The estate was built in 2006 and is one kilometer away from the capital of the island, Vathi. Contact details: Mrs. Paizi Diamanto Tel 0030 6979772006, 0030 210 8055435, 0030 26740 33537. e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

10,Korytsas , 17 455 Alimos, Athens ,Greece Tel.+(30) 210 9820680 Fax +(30) 210 9820861, Mobile (+30) 6944514490 e-mail: [email protected] www.globusyachting.com. e-mail:[email protected] Allow us to introduce to you a more luxurious approach of vacations. Be sure that we will take you to the best beaches, islands but you will also find the scenery of the Greek islands magnificent even when you are just enjoying your boat ride. The Greek island beaches are absolutely beautiful. Enjoy them with us! Since the days of Udysseus the irresistible beauty of the Greek Islands has continued to intrigue the traveling yachtsman. Relax on the deck of our yacht as your experienced crew guides you through these 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 the best yachts and the best values that you'll find. All of our yachts offer comfortable accommodations consistent with their price range, excellent cuisine and a qualified crew.

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8th Congress of SETE “Tourism & Growth” The role of tourism in alternating phases of the economy: Long Term Planning and operational.

85, Vouliagmenis Ave.Athens 16674 Greece Tel: +30 210 9604250, Fax: +30 210 9644943 USA OPERATION CENTER: 1-800-507-7095 E-mail: [email protected] www.stepsofpaul.gr Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises in cooperation with our parent company CruiseClub Holidays, Tour Operator Athens, Greece has the pleasure of offering you our package of LANDCruises, which on one hand incorporates the philisophy of our cruises, while on the other, our assurance of high quality, personal attention 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 and overnights, in order to offer the complete experience for your customers. Welcome to the Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises LANDCruises!

Yachting greece

Greece Tel: +30 210 983 63 12 Fax:+30 210 982 79 19 Tel (24 hours service): GSM +30 6944 310 140 Skype id:yachtsgreece www.yachtsgreece.com e-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 Mediterranean and 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 we will send you the bareboat prices. Add the excellent personalized service of Nikos Odysseas Papadakis Yachts, and you have the perfect potential for an unforgettable yachting experience.

The international financial crisis, apart from any negative growth impacts, restored to the fore the debate surrounding the effectiveness of economic development models. Seen in this light, it is imperative as well as useful to review the roles of various economic activities industry-wide. Especially for the economy of Greece, whose structural problems have for many years enabled the country to develop to the desired extent, it is necessary to rethink the role of tourism in

general economic policy. Tourism has shown over time that its place in the economy is more resistant to shocks from other sectors and can also recover much faster. As a result, the review of our country's development model should definitely consider a new role for tourism. It was in this very light that SETE (Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises) was chosen for the 8th Congress on "Tourism & Growth".

Yria Resort – Cycladiki S.A.,Parasporos Bay, Paros 84400 Greece. tel. ++302284024154 fax ++302284021167 Website : 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 accommodation feature climatization, direct dial telephone, Internet access, satellite TV, DVD-cd player, music channels, mini bar, safe deposit box, hair dryer in bathroom, high quality amenities, terrace/balcony. The lounge provide Reader’s corner, Internet 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. Free use of the gym room, the tennis court, sunbeds and pool towels encourage enjoyment and exercise. Hotel chapel is available for private ceremonies and a meeting room (capacity 120 pax with technical equipment and secretarial service). Efficient and compromising personal service is a promiss

Argentikon Luxury Suites 2005 - 2009 ... 5 Years Of Excellence

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 gardens. 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 satellite TV, radio & DVD players, wireless ADSL internet access, direct-dial telephone, mini-bar, marble-lined bathroom, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, luxury Hermes bathroom amenities and 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

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 http://news.travelling.gr