Page 152 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2023

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
influence

"Our philosophy

is to offer unique
The “birth” of our new corporate identity comes at an exciting time for the tourism indus-
try and demonstrates that the values and vision that govern our company are strengthening, hospitality experiences
evolving and allowing us to be more optimistic and creative than ever, ready for new chal-
lenges and goals. in exceptional
Starting in 1989 with the acquisition of your first property in Megalochori, how has
your vision for the quality of hospitality in our country evolved? destinations.
It all started from the special love that we have for Santorini, an island that has held and con- We continue to
tinues to hold a special place in our hearts all these years. The creation of hotels was not in
our minds from the beginning, as our initial plan was to create a complex of summer houses, innovate, creating
that would resemble a village within a village.
We faced many difficulties and challenges entering this industry at a time when Greek tourism spaces for joy that are
was quite different from today, but we wanted to showcase this beautiful island, highlighting
the wealth of experiences and the aura that characterizes it, placing a great importance, from natural, imaginative,
the very beginning, on providing elevated services, authentic images and personalization in
each and every guest experience. human and open."
Over the years we have developed our vision even further. We recognize the importance of
adapting to the needs and preferences of modern travelers. We continue to invest in innova-
tion and creativity, implementing new practices to improve our guests' experience, always
guided by quality and authenticity. The same elements that motivated us so many years ago We therefore think of the quality of the hospitality that we provide with a great sense of responsi- tradition, Cycladic simplicity and tranquility - always in perfect har-
remain more relevant than ever. bility as global competition is greater than ever and the options are endless. mony with the environment.
Together with our expertise over the last 30 years, our collection of properties on the two islands I would say that we are blessed to be able to work under these con-
and our plans for developing other properties in new destinations, we have proved our success in ditions and we face our professional challenges through this prism,
this venture which gives us the strength to constantly set new goals and become even better in what always aiming at how to provide the most meaningful experience to
we do. Our goal is to constantly act with quality in mind, so that every experience becomes a mem- our guests. Therefore, in our case, when you love what you do and
ory and every memory becomes a beautiful story for each and every guest that stays at our hotels. are passionate about it, a wonderful location and an idyllic setting are
What does the word ‘Empiria’ mean to you? the accelerators for innovation and for setting the joy free in spaces of
For us, the word ‘Empiria’ is not translated or explained simply by the concept of “experience”, the all dimensions...natural, imaginative, human and open!
one that you acquire in your field or an experience that one lives through. We treat it as something Was there a specific milestone anywhere in your journey? Did
much bigger, something that is special and meaningful which translates into our guest offering: it change you or change how you had initially thought about
unique, unforgettable experiences. hospitality until then?
We believe that it highlights our purpose in the best and most direct way, which is to create a space In every journey, be it business based or personal, there is a milestone
for joy. Space for unique, unforgettable experiences which will feed our guests with a variety of im- that changes you, that forces you to evolve and makes you redefine
ages and emotions. Experiences that connect us to what matters; experiences that create the space where you want to go. In our case, this was marked initially by our

"IT ALL STARTED for spontaneity and inner discovery in the time and in the way that everyone seeks. collaboration with Starwood, and later on with Marriott, for The
Luxury Collection, of which our first hotel, Vedema Resort, became
This is the essence of our efforts at all levels. It is the bar that we want to reach and exceed every
FROM THE SPECIAL day, in order to listen to what travelers really want and operate as an organization that is constantly a member. This collaboration gave us the opportunity to be initiated
into international brand standards and integrate them into how we
evolving and creating space for joy.
LOVE THAT WE HAVE What is the overall experiences that you offer your guests? operated. This also gave us access to international trends, allowed us
Our guests seek high standards, they have traveled extensively and seek personalized service. They
to interact with hoteliers from all over the world, which ultimately
FOR SANTORINI, choose our hotels not only for the quality of our services, but also for the authenticity and unique- helped us realize that we share the same concerns, as well as identify
ness that we offer. They are looking for unique experiences that will offer them emotional satis-
the power of Greece as a brand and how we can play an active role in
AN ISLAND THAT faction and a sense of authenticity, along with simplicity and disconnection from their daily lives the future of Greek hospitality.
First Santorini and then Paros. Are you thinking of the next
whilst on vacation.
HAS HELD AND They have the opportunity to enjoy a sense of togetherness that we provide in natural environments destinations where your Empiria concept will expand to?
CONTINUES TO HOLD and places with a unique aura and beauty, to explore and get to know the culture, tradition and Our philosophy is to offer unique hospitality experiences in excep-
tional destinations. Starting with Santorini and then with Paros, we
local communities on the islands of Santorini and Paros, to taste unique gastronomic creations by
A SPECIAL PLACE IN award-winning chefs and to experience relaxation and rejuvenation in our hotels’ atmospheric spas. have taken very careful steps and have followed a structured strategy
We seek to offer experiences that provide an opportunity for deeper contact and connection with
regarding the creation of our hotels.
OUR HEARTS ALL the destination and the environment, but we also make sure to create a space for them to release We are constantly fascinated by destinations that possess authentic
beauty, a rich cultural heritage and people ready to share their authen-
their joy and experience inner happiness.
THESE YEARS." By talking about the experience you provide, it seems that you choose to create a space tic lifestyle with visitors.
for joy while encouraging your guests to experience the destinations you operate within
Regarding future plans to expand our Group to other destinations,
with all their senses. How difficult is it for you to combine work in these two enchanting this is a process that requires careful study and analysis. We understand
settings in the Cyclades? the importance of local culture, natural beauty and travel trends. So
Santorini and Paros are two islands with a unique beauty and energy that pervades everything. We if the above criteria are met, there’s no doubt that we will look closely
have the opportunity to work in beautiful hotels and spaces that reflect the local architecture and at developing further. 

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