New Faces: Ioanna Nomidou, Sales Executive at ‘Discover the World Greece’

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

Ioanna Nomidou

“Greece can offer luxury and unique experiences during winter… If this is passed on and promoted efficiently, we can extend the tourism period to year-round and fight seasonality.”

Business: Discover The World Greece
Location: Athens

Ioanna Nomidou was born in Athens and after graduating from Athens University of Economics and Business in 2016, she spent a semester in Spain working at the University of Seville as an International Relations Officer. Passionate about tourism since a very young age, Ioanna has traveled a lot to gain a broad perspective about the industry and also studied in France for one year. For the past 1,5 years she has been working as a Sales Executive for Virgin Atlantic Airways at Discover the World Greece, a part of Discover the World, a leading company in global travel services and distribution.

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

Being the Sales Executive at Discover the World – which I must mention has earned a reputation as a leader in global travel distribution and has developed a worldwide network of 85 offices in more than 60 countries – has many responsibilities, but what I enjoy the most is that I have interaction with many people for different issues, so my everyday routine is never monotonous. My philosophy regarding hospitality is that we need to learn the exact needs and expectations of tourists and then try to cover them in the best possible way.

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

A challenge that I face every day is to keep satisfied our airlines as well as the travel agents, as many times they have conflicting interests. However, I find it very interesting that I have to be diplomatic and maintain a balance between them.

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

Although the Greek destinations are very competitive, it is urgent to refurbish the infrastructure of the country’s airports. During July and August, our regional airports can handle a very limited number of flights per day. If the airports are renovated, the airline routes will be increased and passenger traffic will grow. Let’s not forget that our airports are our tourists’ first impression when entering Greece.

• 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 as a tourism destination is mostly known for the islands and the exotic beaches. However, Greece can offer luxury and unique experiences during winter as well, in destinations such as Zagorohoria, Arachova, etc. If this is passed on and promoted efficiently, we can extend the tourism period to year-round and fight seasonality.

• What is your favorite destination and beach in Greece and why?

Although there are dozens of beautiful and picturesque places in Greece, my favorite Greek island is Skiathos, as it combines magnificent beaches such as Lalaria beach, a gastronomy to remember, unique hiking experiences and a great nightlife.

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

My message would be for our professionals to improve all kind of services in order to attract more quality tourists.

• What are your plans for the future?

I wish to stay in the tourism industry and I would like to further expand my knowledge about airlines and hospitality.

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

I honestly cannot imagine myself working in another industry. The tourism industry is one of the most fast-growing in Greece and has many future prospects.

Connect with Ioanna Nomidou on LinkedIn