Regional focus
should be surprising. “Of course,” he emphasises, “these brands offer large sales networks, know-how, education and standardisation.”
Bearing gifts With outsiders having a lot to offer Greek hospitality, their success also begs the question: what about domestic investors? For Merkenhof, the answer has much to do with a lack of funding, even if firms like Ikos Resorts, a resort brand with five Greek properties, do offer a bright spark. And if the issue of investment hints at Greece’s dire economic record, with Merkenhof describing how many ‘mom and pop’ hotels didn’t survive the turmoil of recent years, you could say something similar about the national government too. As a recent, fatal train crash near Larissa implies, years of underinvestment has left Greek infrastructure in trouble. With investment plans chronically low, it’s easy to see how Greek hospitality could eventually stumble, even if Themelidis stresses that funds are “already allocated” to ensure that progress continues. Then there’s the challenge of sustainability. For if Greece is undoubtedly a tourism success story, the experience of islands like Mykonos, overwhelmed by ugly developments and bad behaviour from visitors, hints at the dangers facing newer hotspots. “The Greek natural environment and the authenticity of the Greek
tourism product must be protected – also to remain competitive,” is how Merkenhof bluntly puts it. “We need to learn about the mistakes of other international destinations and stop the risk of overdevelopment and overcrowding at an early stage.” There are signs this is happening, with the Athens government increasingly encouraging guests to venture beyond their comfort zones, meet local people and eat local food. A worthy sentiment – and one Aris Konstantinidis would surely agree with. ●
A TRYP property on the Grecian island of Corfu.
FROM
AMSTERDAM TO BERLIN TO LONDON
Visit us at
radissonhotels.com/artotel or get in contact via
emeadevelopment@radissonhotels.com
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com 17
Wyndham
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