Greece Set to Introduce its ‘Boutique Hotels’ to the World

The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels on Wednesday announced that its “Boutique Hotel” certification program has achieved 200 hotels signed across Greece and is now ready to introduce its certified members to both Greeks and foreigners.

Presenting the program’s new brand identity and slogan to the media, the chamber’s president, Alexandros Vassilikos, highlighted the significant increase in membership.

“This confirms the chamber’s strategy and vision to support and highlight businesses that offer upgraded and quality services in a market that is looking for a diversified tourism product,” Vassilikos said, adding that a number of hotels are currently in the process of receiving certification.

“We expect to count some 400 hotels in the program by the end of the year,” he added.

Launched by the chamber to boost the quality in Greek tourism, the “Boutique Hotel” program is addressed to Greek accommodation units that fulfill the requirements of being designated as “boutique hotels”.

‘Boutique Hotels’: They ‘Love to host you’

Marios Linakis, Co-founder of Sputnik Design Team and Linakis Digital, explaining the concept behind the revamped “Boutique Hotel” certification seal.

The new “Boutique Hotel” seal is the letter B transformed into a heart and is accompanied by the slogan “Love to host you”.

“The seal is a warm welcoming Greek heart that will travel around the world,” said Marios Linakis, head of Sputnik Design Team | Linakis Digital who inspired and created the program’s new brand identity.

“Hospitality in Greece is a tradition, an act of giving, cemented in the soul of the people, in their warm smile, and in their authenticity when they welcome their guests,” he said while presenting the source of inspiration for the new brand. “When you fall in love, the bond is deep and strong,” he added.

Speaking during the event, the chamber’s vice president and head of the “Boutique Hotel” program, Christina Tetradis, highlighted that boutique hotels are elegant and have great growth prospects as a tourist product.

Christina Tetradis, VP of Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and head of the “Boutique Hotel” program.

“Greek hotels are combining quality with innovation to offer extra value to visitors,” she said, highlighting that members of the “Boutique Hotel” program show their dedication to uniqueness and detail.

Moreover, she referred of a new culture of entrepreneurship where many hotels are now incorporating cultural elements and traditions in their offerings.

“There is an audience of ‘sophisticated’ customers who want to take part in the experience offered by the hotel in which they are staying,” she said.

Greek ‘Boutique Hotels’ will be introduced to the world

Following the increase in membership, revamp of the “Boutique Hotel” seal and launch of the new slogan, the program is now ready to be introduced to both domestic and international markets, according to the chamber’s president, Alexandros Vassilikos.

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Alexandros Vassilikos speaking during the “Boutique Hotel” event via video call.

“Greek hotels can easily compete with internationally recognized brands and in cooperation with the Tourism Ministry and the GNTO we will immediately proceed with organized and targeted actions to promote our members community in international tourist markets,” he added.

The basic requirements for a unit to receive the “Boutique Hotel” seal is to have up to 60 rooms and be a 3-, 4- or 5-star establishment. Hoteliers interested in obtaining the “Boutique Hotel” seal must also ascertain that their accommodation units follow the concept of a boutique hotel in regards to the style of its premises, its architectural design and decoration.

The evaluation of a “boutique hotel” is carried out in four phases through an interactive online process. On-the-spot inspections by experts will follow.

Maria Tzannou, marketing consultant of the “Boutique Hotel” program.

Privileges offered to hotels enrolled in the program include the possibility of upgrading to a higher star category, development prospects through professional contacts (B2B forums), organized participation in international tourism exhibitions, participation in advertising campaigns, online promotion through a dedicated website and social media and participation in specialized workshops.

The chamber’s president also highlighted the fact that the “Boutique Hotel” seal will distinguish actual boutique hotels from those that advertise as such establishments but have no certification since they are not qualified.

“The hotels chamber will initiate procedures, so that not just any hotelier declares he runs a boutique hotel,” Vassilikos said.