New Faces: Katerina Adamopoulou, Assistant Director of Sales at Aqua Vista Hotels

“New Faces” is a column by GTP that introduces the young professionals of the Greek tourism industry. In each column, the Greek professionals refer to issues related to their profession, the travel & tourism sector and Greece as a destination.

Katerina Adamopoulou

“Philoxenia was born in Greece. Our ancestors felt it was their duty to offer their hospitality to strangers and this is something I strongly believe is in our genes.”

Business: Aqua Vista Hotels
Location: Athens

After attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Policy at Panteion University, Katerina received a Master in Organization and Management of Small and Medium Hotel Units from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her career began as a Marketing Assistant for a leading Travel & Conference organizing agency before working her way up to her present position. Katerina gained valuable experience working for leading companies in the sector, as well as hotels and resorts for the past 7 years and has in-depth knowledge of Reservations & Sales management. Previously employed as a Reservations and Sales Agent, Katerina is now Assistant Director of Sales for Aqua Vista Hotels. She is fluent in English and can also speak French and Spanish.

• What are the things you like best about your job and how would you describe your hospitality and tourism management philosophy?

One of the things I really enjoy about my job is that it offers me constant communication with people not only within the industry but also from different sectors that relate to hospitality and also diversity in my daily routine. Hospitality is all about creating experiences for our guests. I wish to constantly take that to a new level, by raising the services quality bar to its highest levels. And finding myself a member of the Aqua Vista Hotels family, a company I share the same philosophy with, makes me really proud.

• Have you had to face any challenges in your career to get to where you are today?

The main challenge of hospitality is that it is an industry continuously changing, making it quite challenging to follow, but also exciting at the same time. I strongly believe that every challenge you find yourself facing is a new opportunity to make you better at what you do and a stepping-stone to more successful professional paths.

• In regards to hospitality, where do you think Greece needs to improve the most?

Greece is among the top destinations worldwide, a fact that creates a “responsibility” for appropriate infrastructures, top quality services and highly trained staff. While I believe that a very good level has been maintained, it is important to say that education and continuous training to always be up-to-date with hospitality standards are two key points leading to a satisfied guest who cannot wait to return under the Greek sun and enjoy the Greek philoxenia (hospitality) we are renown for.

• What would you say is Greece’s best kept “secret”? (In other words, what shouldn’t be a secret in your opinion and should be promoted more abroad?)

Greece is much more than sunny beaches and seaside taverns that serves mousaka. Our country is blessed with “hidden” destination gems, from the “northernest” traditional village on the mainland, to its “southest” beach. It is an all year round destination that can offer unlimited experiences and unforgettable moments to every type of guest who seeks for something more than just a sunny destination.

• What is your favorite place/city/beach in Greece and why?

Having said the above, it is really hard to pick just one. But if I really had to pick, Elia Beach on Mykonos holds a special place in my heart for its bluegreen waters and the vibe I get every time I visit that island and also Molyvos village on Lesvos. This so different, small, traditional village on a not so “famous” Greek island took my breath away the minute I stepped my foot there.

• If you could pass on a message to the hospitality industry about Greece, what would it be?

Philoxenia was born in Greece. Our ancestors felt it was their duty to offer their hospitality to strangers and this is something I strongly believe is in our genes. Through the years, the industry has developed and tradition has been combined with professionalism and high levels in services.

• What are your plans for the future?

I have always been a person who wishes to evolve and I intend to keep doing so alongside Aqua Vista. I wish to focus on becoming a stronger and more sufficient professional, set to achieve effective and successful sales goals for all our members.

• If you didn’t work in the hospitality industry where would you be?

The hospitality is an industry in which I chose to be, I didn’t just find myself in it by luck. It is an industry offering me the opportunity to apply and develop my skills and knowledge, giving me at the same time the chance to do all those things that I love, meet new destinations, new people and combine my experience with my skills to have the best outcome.

Connect with Katerina Adamopoulou on LinkedIn