Emotional Impact: Creating moments of joy, surprise, and wonder leaves a lasting imprint on guests, inspiring them to return time and time again.
As part of my series about “How To Create A Travel Experience That Keeps People Coming Back For More”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Popi Tanta, CCO of Louis Hotels.
As the Chief Commercial Officer of one of the leading hotel groups in the Mediterranean, Mrs. Tanta has been part of the Louis Group legacy for over 35 years. She believes in taking care of each minute and success will take care of itself. Her great success handling 26 hotels across Cyprus and Greece is a product of her dedication, insightful market analysis and great teamwork.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was drawn to the travel and hospitality industry from a young age, inspired by the magic of exploration and the power of creating unforgettable experiences for others. My journey led me to Louis Hotels, where I found the perfect blend of passion and purpose in shaping the future of travel and hospitality.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most memorable experiences in my career was overseeing the launch of 26 hotels across Cyprus and Greece. Despite facing numerous challenges, from logistical hurdles to unforeseen delays, seeing these projects come to fruition and witnessing the joy it brought to guests was incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I started my career at Louis Hotels, I was handling the outgoing department sending Cypriots on holidays abroad. During those years many Cypriots were visiting Greece for round trips staying in small towns on the way during summer. One of my clients called me furious about a hotel I had booked for him back in the eighties, claiming that the air conditioning in his room was not working. I called the hotel manager asked him why is your air conditioning not working even though you are advertising rooms with air conditioning? He smiled and said to me, Yes this is correct but we only put it on when I feel warm! I could not believe what I was hearing, and he really meant it. Lesson learned: Always double check even the smallest of details before trusting what is written or announced.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I’m immensely grateful to my mentor, Jason Perdios, the CEO of Louis Hotels, a seasoned travel industry veteran and pioneer who guided me through the early stages of my career. His wisdom, support, and unwavering belief in my potential were instrumental in shaping my journey and helping me navigate challenges along the way.
Thank you for that. Let’s jump to the core of our discussion. Can you share with our readers about the innovations that you are bringing to the travel and hospitality industries?
At Louis Hotels, we’re pioneering innovative technologies and sustainable practices to enhance guest experiences and minimise our environmental footprint. From eco-friendly initiatives such as organic local farm to table dishes at our Exclusive Collection hotels, to hiring locally as much as possible, we are redefining hospitality and wellbeing for the modern traveller.
Which “pain point” are you trying to address by introducing this innovation and how do you envision that this might disrupt the status quo?
Our innovations aim to address key pain points in the industry, such as enhancing authentic travel experiences, the art of slow living and expressing the Greek essence at our Exclusive Collection hotels. By leveraging the philosophies, we’re disrupting the status quo and setting new standards for responsible tourism.
As you know, COVID19 changed the world as we know it. Can you share a few examples of how travel and hospitality companies will be adjusting over the next five years to the new ways that consumers will prefer to travel?
In response to COVID-19, Louis Hotels are prioritising safety, flexibility, and personalisation. This includes implementing rigorous hygiene protocols, offering flexible booking options, and tailoring experiences to meet evolving consumer preferences for health and wellness.
You are a “travel insider”. How would you describe your “perfect vacation experience”?
My perfect vacation experience combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether it’s exploring picturesque landscapes, indulging in local cuisine, or simply unwinding by the sea, I cherish moments of discovery and connection with loved ones.
Travel is not always about escaping, but about connecting. Have you made efforts to cultivate a more wellness driven experience? We’d love to hear about it.
We’ve integrated wellbeing-driven experiences into our offerings, including spa treatments, yoga retreats, sound healing, mindfulness, cryotherapy, and organic and vegan dining options. By prioritising holistic wellbeing, we aim to create transformative experiences that rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul of our guests.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things one should know in order to create a travel experience that keeps bringing people back for more? Please share a story or an example for each.
- Personalisation: Tailoring Greek experiences to individual travellers’ preferences and interests ensuring each guest feels valued and understood.
- Authenticity: Embracing local culture, traditions, and flavours adds depth and richness to the travel experience, fostering genuine connections.
- Exceptional Service: Going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations creating lasting impressions and fostering loyalty.
- Innovation: Embracing innovative practices enhances convenience, comfort, and sustainability, setting new standards in hospitality.
- Emotional Impact: Creating moments of joy, surprise, and wonder leaves a lasting imprint on guests, inspiring them to return time and time again.
Can you share with our readers how you have used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Through initiatives such as environmental conservation efforts, and support for local Greek and Cypriot artisans and businesses, we’re leveraging our success to make a positive impact on the communities and environments we serve.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I envision a movement focused on promoting sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices. By raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and inspiring collective action, we can protect our planet, preserve cultural heritage, and create meaningful experiences for generations to come.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Readers can follow Louis Hotels on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates on our latest innovations, initiatives, and travel inspiration.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!