25 years of experience in hospitality services has made WELCALITY a leading name in specialized sales representation for boutique hotels in Greece as well as comprehensive event management, for companies and tourism professionals.
Hotel units -which form the backbone of the Greek economy- have been found to not play an active role in participating in international tourism exhibitions. Small-scale hotel businesses do not have all the necessary means to participate actively in such exhibitions, while larger-scale enterprises do not have the time to engage in anything beyond organizing the operation of the unit itself.
Elena Lissaiou,recognizing this shortfall in the representation of Greek hotel businesses, created WELCALITY, a one-of-a-kind enterprise with the aim of closing this gap and giving real substance to the notion of hospitality and quality.
In light of her success in her field, the founder and owner of WELCALITY, Elena Lissaiou, answered key questions that arise around her own business as well as businesses in general.
What was the main source of inspiration for creating WELCALITY and what prompted you to create this kind of business?
The inspiration for WELCALITY came from a blend of concepts that reflect the companys core values. The name itself is a wordplay that combines the words «welcome», «locality», «wellness», «hospitality» and «quality», and represents a love for hospitality and a commitment to providing exceptional services.
WELCALITY emerged from my extensive experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in sales, marketing, and events departments. Throughout my career, I observed a significant gap in the market regarding small boutique hotels that did not have dedicated sales departments or the resources to participate in international tourism exhibitions.
This realization, combined with the growing tourism industry in Greece and the increasing number of small-hotel owners without a hospitality background, served as the trigger for creating WELCALITY.
So far in the companys operation, our sales representation services have also resonated with service companies that align with hospitality, as well as with collaborations beyond the borders that need a ‘local hospitality expert’.
Especially with the surge in tourism after the covid era , it became even more critical for these small businesses to have a strong presence in the tourism market and to benefit from international tourism exhibitions.
What is it like to be the owner of a business in Greece in recent years? Have you encountered difficulties during your entrepreneurial activity?
I would say that I have faced quite a few challenges, which, however, have helped me evolve both as an entrepreneur and as a person.
One of the main challenges is the management of financial uncertainty, especially now in the first years of the companys operation. The need for strict financial management makes the growth process slower and more complex.
The programs that support womens entrepreneurship offered me valuable guidance, however, there is still great room for improvement, especially regarding bureaucracy and taxation, which I feel constitute a major obstacle to business growth..
And lets not forget that, given that tourism is Greeces number one industry, many have entered the sector without the appropriate training or experience, which creates unfair competition. Our potential clients should be particularly careful in the decisions they make regarding their partnerships.I have always believed that every challenge is a lesson and a push for improvement and that we must continue with determination.
Since you mentioned the Covid19 pandemic, what differences have you observed in tourism activity? At what level is Greeces reception of tourists now?
We all witnessed how the pandemic affected the tourism sector worldwide. Greece, as one of the top tourism countries, was no exception to this situation. The need for everyone to travel became a priority, especially at the beginning of the post-covid period, placing great emphasis on safety and hygiene when choosing a destination and accommodation, as well as on the value-for-money relationship (value for money).
The pandemic accelerated digitization in the tourism sector, the search for sustainable forms of tourism with increased interest in destinations with a lower environmental footprint, as well as for activities that promote contact with nature and local culture.
We also observe an increase in demand for travel outside the traditional summer months. Tourists prefer to visit destinations with less crowding so they can enjoy even more the overall experience of travel and hospitality. Despite the difficulties, Greece managed to adapt to the new conditions and needs and respond successfully by offering quality services, high levels of safety, and rich options for all types of travelers.
The promotion of the country as a safe and reliable destination, combined with the beauties of nature and the rich cultural heritage, as well as the gastronomic wealth, has further strengthened its competitiveness, showing positive results in recent years.
What are your immediate future plans? Have you fulfilled your goal or are there other prospects for development? What is your vision for WELCALITY?
Our immediate plans include our participation in the 100% Hotel Show together with a new partnership, which takes place in Athens in November and is aimed at luxury accommodations and tourism professionals.
Also, in February a tour of tourism exhibitions in Europe will begin, with the first destination being Portugal, where we will participate in a luxury event that connects travel agents from all over Europe with luxury accommodations and services. The available places for participation through WELCALITY remain open for those interested.By now, we have achieved many of our cooperation goals, while our clients comments (testimonials) are the best form of advertising for us.
My vision for WELCALITY is to become one of the leading support companies for hoteliers and tourism professionals in Greece and internationally. Our aim is to provide services that will enhance the promotion of their offerings, improve competitiveness, and upgrade quality, thereby contributing to the improvement of their guests experience. In addition, we discern significant opportunities to forge strategic partnerships with other companies in the sector, such as booking services, travel agencies, and service providers.
The challenges are many, but the future offers many opportunities for growth. In any case, what is needed is adaptability, creativity, and faith in our abilities and our vision.
With the visitor as our focus and the provision of specialized servicesthe WELCALITY with deep knowledge of the tourism market in Greece and abroad, aims at hospitality, quality, and the creative utilization of the countrys hotel units.
