Interview – Dimitris Antonakos Gives Details About 100% Hotel Show’s 1st Seasonal Edition on Crete
Τhe 100% Hotel Show, the Greek innovative trade show that offers 100% hospitality solutions all in one place, for the first time will be held twice in the same year, as the organizer aims to evolve the exhibition model to international standards.
Organized by Demand Fairs & Media since 2014, the 100% Hotel Show will take place in November in Athens, its main host destination. However, adapting its format to new exhibition data, the organizer this year also announced a seasonal edition – a second event – that will take place on the island of Crete during April 13-14.
According to the company’s CEO, Dimitris Antonakos, the 100% Hotel Show on Crete will run under an adapted concept that will become a point of reference, both for the island’s important market as well as for all hotels of the Greek hospitality market, with the start of the tourism season approaching.
“Crete was selected specifically because the hospitality market requires a second meeting point closer to the opening of hotels,” Antonakos tells GTP Headlines.
“The island, particularly Heraklion, represents one of the most developed tourist markets in Greece and is a reference point for hotel entrepreneurship with significant investments in the sector.”
What makes the 100% Hotel Show stand out from other trade shows is its strategically designed structure, which gives visitors the opportunity to tour all the development stages of a comprehensive hotel product, beginning from its conception as an idea until its placement on the market.
The exhibition is also known for its many workshops, which aim to inform and educate professionals on international tourism and hospitality trends.
Since the announcement of the 100% Hotel Show spring edition, feedback has been very positive.
“Thισ feedback highlights the importance of bringing the exhibition closer to hoteliers and suppliers in key regional markets,” says Antonakos.
In this interview with Dimitris Antonakos, GTP Headlines has the chance to get all the details on the upcoming 100% Hotel Show spring event, which will host a diverse range of exhibitors and workshops.
- GTP: Mr Antonakos, the “100% Hotel Show”, the Greek innovative trade show with a strategically designed structure, for the first time will take place in two different locations on different dates. What is the reason for this?
Dimitris Antonakos: The decision to expand the “100% Hotel Show” to two different locations was primarily driven by the need to cater to a wider audience and to make the event more accessible to professionals in the hospitality industry across Greece. By organizing the show in both Crete and Athens, we aim to provide an opportunity for hoteliers and hospitality professionals from different regions to participate without having to travel far.
- GTP: Why was Crete selected specifically and how has the feedback been since you announced the island as host destination for the “100% Hotel Show”?
Dimitris Antonakos: Crete was selected specifically because the hospitality market requires a second meeting point closer to the opening of hotels. Crete is the ideal place for that. The island, particularly its city of Heraklion, represents one of the most developed tourism markets in Greece and is a reference point for hotel entrepreneurship with significant investments in the sector. Feedback since announcing Crete as the host destination ranged from positive to enthusiastic, highlighting the importance of bringing the exhibition closer to hoteliers and suppliers in key regional markets.
- GTP: So, what can we expect from the upcoming “100% Hotel Show” this month?
Dimitris Antonakos: Hoteliers can expect a diverse range of exhibitors and workshops at the upcoming “100% Hotel Show” in April that will offer them opportunity to further develop their properties. With regard to exhibitors, the highlight will be top hospitality players, like webhotelier | primalres, RevitUp and Destsetters, but also significant local brands in tourism, such as Loguers, Butterfly Stories, ThinkVillas and ETouri. It will be a real tourism fest!
- GTP: The “100% Hotel Show” is also known for its workshops and seminars. What can you say about this year’s program for both exhibitions (Crete and Athens)? What specific topics will be addressed?
Dimitris Antonakos: This year’s program will cover a diverse range of topics relevant to the hospitality industry, including sustainability, digital marketing strategies, guest experience enhancement, and technology integration. The workshops and seminars will be led by industry experts and thought leaders, offering practical advice and actionable insights for hoteliers and hospitality professionals. More specifically, for Crete we will divide the workshops in two different units. Workshops for Hotel Market Development and Hotel Pre-Opening Sessions, useful even for hoteliers not on the island. For Athens we have some real big surprises!
- GTP: The “100% Hotel Show” expo has been running for many years. How did it all begin though? Could you share the inspiration behind the creation of the “100% Hotel Show”?
Dimitris Antonakos: The inspiration to launch the “100% Hotel Show” stemmed from a recognized need within the Greek hospitality industry, for a comprehensive trade show tailored specifically to the needs of hoteliers and suppliers, which selects and presents high quality products and services, for high standard accommodation. The event aimed to create a premium platform for industry professionals to showcase their products, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the sector, fostering innovation and excellence in hospitality.
- GTP: In your opinion, how much has the hospitality industry changed since the Covid-19 pandemic? What changes in the hotel world are most evident? Are their demands more difficult to meet?
Dimitris Antonakos: The Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the hospitality industry, prompting adaptations in operations, guest expectations, and industry dynamics. Hoteliers have had to adjust quickly to new health and safety protocols, implement technology-driven solutions, and rethink their business models to meet evolving demands. Challenges such as flexible booking options, more privacy, contactless experiences, and enhanced cleanliness standards have become more pronounced, requiring innovative solutions and proactive approaches from industry stakeholders.
- GTP: How can an event like “100% Hotel Show” innovate and position itself for the new demands of tourism and hospitality?
Dimitris Antonakos: By highlighting the value of design in creating powerful storytelling, embracing digital technologies, enhancing sustainability practices, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing guest-centric experiences. By staying ahead of industry trends and addressing emerging challenges, the show can continue to serve as a valuable platform for industry stakeholders to connect, learn, and grow.
- GTP: Meanwhile, challenges are still lurking, including geopolitics, high costs and inflation. How do you see them affecting the hospitality sector?
Dimitris Antonakos: These challenges can affect the hospitality sector by impacting travel patterns, consumer spending, and operational costs. However, proactive measures, such as diversifying revenue streams, optimizing efficiency, and investing in innovation, can help mitigate these challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of businesses within the sector.
- GTP: What would be your message to the industry?
Dimitris Antonakos: My message to the industry is one of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Despite the challenges we face, the hospitality sector has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in navigating uncertain times. By embracing innovation, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration across the value chain, we can overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and emerge stronger together. Let us continue to innovate, inspire, and elevate the standards of excellence in hospitality, ensuring memorable experiences for guests and sustainable growth for our industry.
The seasonal edition of the 100% Hotel Show will take place from Saturday, April 13, until Sunday, April 14, at the DEKK International Exhibition Center of Crete in Heraklion.
For information to register as a guest or an exhibitor, press here.
The Greek Travel Pages (GTP)is a media sponsor of the 100% Hotel Show.