New Faces: Elias Linardopoulos, Founder of Luxury Yacht Parties

“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.

Elias Linardopoulos

“Greece is not only a ‘sea, sand and sun’ destination for the summer… Every one of us working in the hospitality industry, whether in the public or the private sector, should try to change the perception of travelers.”

Business: Luxury Yacht Parties
Location: Athens

Elias Linardopoulos was born in Athens in 1993. He is a graduate of a private educational institution with a major in Computer Application Technology. For as long as Elias can remember, he was drawn to making a career in the hospitality and tourism industry. He has attended several certified training seminars, in the area of MICE tourism in particular, both in Greece and abroad.
Elias’ work experience began in 2012 as an assistant in a Greek travel agency. In 2014, he began taking his first steps through the launch of a travel website, which offered holiday packages to Greek winter-summer destinations, and focused on making it stand out from similar websites. Two years later, Elias decided to take the next step in his career and turned to two things he had always loved: the sea and social events. That is when his company, “Luxury Yacht Parties”, was born and through which he organizes exclusive events on any type of boat requested as well as a series of cruises to the Saronic Gulf islands and Mykonos.

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

Having a job in the tourism industry itself is very enjoyable, as it gives you the opportunity to come in contact with people from all over the world. Managing a tourism business is based on excellent organization, good communication with your partners and customers, and also on a “can do” attitude.
In addition, as a professional, you should always have a positive attitude towards the client’s demands and provide the services as agreed by the initial communication.

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

Actually, my age is a challenge. In Greece, unfortunately, most people look at age and not at the fact that a young person has started to get involved in entrepreneurship with a product that is not common in the Greek industry.

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

Greece itself is a hospitable country and an attractive destination. The permanent residents of islands that I have visited over the years are always more than happy to serve tourists that visit their homeland. However, although Greece is a tourist destination, it does not provide the appropriate infrastructure on most of the islands.
I also must add that the prices of accommodation on the Greek islands, to a large extent, do not match guests’ expectations in terms of the quality of offered services. This leads many tourists unsatisfied and results to them not considering Greece as a future holiday destination. From this, the country itself loses repeat visitors.

• 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 not only a “sea, sand and sun” destination for the summer! It is a destination that can offer unforgettable experiences also during the winter period. Every one of us working in the hospitality industry, whether in the public or the private sector, should try to change the perception of travelers. Greece could be the most popular 365-day destination than any other place in the world!

• What is your favorite destination in Greece and why?

The islands of the Cyclades, and the Cycladic architecture in general, have always fascinated me. My favorite destination is Mykonos, as you can combine everything on this island. It has it all: beautiful beaches, excellent hospitality, and unforgettable gastronomy options, from Mediterranean cuisine to international dishes.

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

My message to the industry would be: “Offer Greek hospitality to the maximum and advertise Greece by upgrading services with more Greek experiences.”

• What are your plans for the future?

My plans include for my company to go global and be one of the largest event companies in the world that can host events in different countries.
We have already started to create a membership card that will consist of various companies from abroad that offer many services – including travel.
The main goal is to keep gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible in regards to my business so that I can always keep up with the competition.

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

If I had not gotten involved in the hospitality industry I think I would be working in the interior decoration field, with a main focus to decorate luxury yachts.

Connect with Elias Linardopoulos on LinkedIn