Selected Hideaways: A Success Story in Greek Hotel Management

Selected Hideaways is a remarkable success story, having sustained its upward growth even during the challenging years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Founded in 2017 by hospitality experts Panagiotis Kyritsis and Andreas Patiniotis, along with businessman Kyriakos Sapounas, Selected Hideaways is a Greek Sales/Reservations & Marketing Company that specializes in providing expert advice and tailored solutions to hotel owners and investors.

Panagiotis Kyritsis

Co-founder Panagiotis Kyritsis explains that separating hotel property ownership from the management of its operations is a practice that has significantly evolved in Greece over the past two decades. This model has paved the way for investors with no prior experience in the tourism industry to enter the hospitality sector profitably.

“The landscape of the hotel industry has transformed. Owning a hotel now means managing two distinct aspects: daily operations and the strategic management of reservations, sales, and marketing. The competition is fierce, and it requires specialized expertise,” Kyritsis told GTP Headlines.

From 2011 to 2016, Kyritsis served as a manager at the Caldera Collection hotels. In 2017, the idea emerged to expand his expertise to managing reservations for other hotels and destinations. Partnering with Andreas Patiniotis (owner of the Caldera Collection and Secretary General of the Santorini Hoteliers Association) and businessman Kyriakos Sapounas, the vision for Selected Hideaways became a reality.

“Today, hotel management companies have grown substantially, with many managing extensive portfolios and forming partnerships with major international hotel brands. Hotel owners now have the flexibility to outsource the full management of their properties or select specific service packages, such as marketing, sales, branding, and HR management,” Kyritsis noted.

In this interview, Kyritsis shares the company’s recipe for success, outlines its vision, and expresses optimism about the future of Greek tourism.

• GTP: What was the initial vision that led to the creation of Selected Hideaways? What makes your business unique, and what strategies do you use to secure long-term partnerships?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: The initial vision behind Selected Hideaways was to address a gap in the hospitality industry by offering specialized consulting and management services for hotels. Co-founders Andreas Patiniotis and Kyriakos Sapounas, with their extensive experience and expertise, wanted to expand beyond their successful ventures on Santorini and explore new opportunities in hotel management and reservation services.
What sets us apart is our dual focus: not only do we provide a curated selection of unique, high-quality accommodations, but we also offer tailored consulting solutions for hotel owners and investors. This includes everything from reservation management to marketing and sales strategies, reflecting our understanding that modern hospitality involves managing both the physical property and its online presence.
Our approach to securing long-term partnerships is built on our deep industry knowledge and commitment to personalized service. We collaborate closely with our partners to ensure that we meet their specific needs and adapt to the evolving market dynamics, helping them succeed in a competitive landscape.

• GTP: Can you describe how Selected Hideaways helps hotel and villa owners maximize their revenue and enhance their online bookings?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: Selected Hideaways assists hotel and villa owners in maximizing revenue through sophisticated yield management techniques similar to those used by airlines. Our services focus on enhancing online bookings, especially by increasing direct website reservations.
We treat each property as if we were the hotel’s commercial directors, analyzing and optimizing pricing strategies to drive sales. Our results-driven approach combines strategic insight with personalized service, helping partners reduce commission fees by promoting direct bookings through their brand and website.
Additionally, we enhance visibility by showcasing properties at 14 international trade shows and leveraging dynamic pricing technology. Our revenue management includes overseeing online travel agencies and providing weekly performance reports, enabling property owners to make informed decisions.
We’re committed to maximizing revenue by creating a strong online and offline presence for each property. Our team meticulously monitors market trends and adjusts pricing dynamically to capture the best opportunities for our clients. By staying attuned to seasonal changes and audience interactions, we ensure that our strategies are always aligned with current market demands, delivering exceptional results and the best possible rates for our clients.

• GTP: By what criteria do you choose the hotels you cooperate with?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: We focus on selective partnerships, targeting hotel units that stand out and demonstrate strong growth potential. For example, our partnership since 2018 on the island of Milos has expanded to include additional hotel units, which we consider a success because we build relationships based on trust. As a reputable company with solid foundations, our brand’s credibility serves as a driving force, allowing us to foster relationships of trust, mutual benefit, and continuous progress.
We are supported by a strong team of skilled and talented professionals who specialize in delivering high-end luxury accommodation solutions. From day one, our goal has been to incorporate sophisticated hotel units into our portfolio that excel in both aesthetics and functional specifications.

• GTP: What are the main drivers behind the success of Selected Hideaways, and how does its approach uniquely address gaps or opportunities in the current travel market?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: The success of Selected Hideaways is rooted in several key factors. Firstly, our close collaboration with hoteliers and property owners is central to our approach. We build strong, personal relationships with our partners, ensuring we understand their unique needs and challenges. This hands-on, relational approach allows us to tailor our services precisely to each hotel’s requirements, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
Another major driver of our success is our commitment to demonstrating results through regular, detailed reporting. We provide our partners with weekly and daily reports that showcase tangible outcomes and data-driven insights. This transparency and accountability build trust and reinforce the effectiveness of our strategies.
Our services are highly personalized and specifically designed for each property. We don’t just offer generic solutions; instead, we create bespoke strategies that address the unique needs of each hotel or destination. This level of customization ensures that our clients receive solutions that are directly aligned with their goals and challenges.
In terms of market needs, Selected Hideaways addresses the growing demand for tailored and high-quality travel experiences. Today’s travelers seek more than standard vacations—they want personalized, authentic experiences that connect them deeply with their destination. By focusing on bespoke travel planning and offering exclusive access to unique locations, we fulfill this need effectively.

• GTP: Given your expertise, what emerging opportunities or challenges might shape the evolution of Greek tourism in the next decade?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: I believe that by continuously enhancing our offerings, upgrading infrastructure, and demonstrating high levels of professionalism, we can look forward to a vibrant future for Greek tourism.
On the opportunity side, there’s a growing trend towards sustainable and immersive travel experiences. Travelers are increasingly interested in not just visiting but truly experiencing local culture and natural beauty in an eco-friendly way. Greece is perfectly positioned to leverage this trend with its rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
If we invest in improving our infrastructure and address these challenges proactively, I am confident that Greece will continue to be a top destination, offering exceptional experiences to visitors while supporting local communities.

• GTP: “Overtourism” and its challenges are frequently discussed, particularly concerning popular Greek destinations. What specific strategies do you believe are necessary to improve infrastructure and management to better handle high visitor numbers and mitigate any negative perceptions?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: The issue of “overtourism” definitely poses significant challenges, especially in beloved destinations like Santorini. At Selected Hideaways, we think there are a few key strategies that can really make a difference.
First, improving infrastructure is essential. This means not just expanding accommodations but also enhancing transportation and waste management systems. Good infrastructure helps manage the flow of visitors more smoothly and reduces the strain on local resources.
Second, better management practices are crucial. We need to implement advanced booking systems to help regulate visitor numbers and reduce overcrowding. Encouraging travel during off-peak times can also help spread out the demand.
Another strategy is promoting lesser-known destinations. Greece has so much to offer beyond the popular hotspots. By highlighting these hidden gems, we can alleviate some of the pressure on places like Santorini and give visitors a chance to discover new, exciting experiences.
Sustainability is also a big focus for us. Encouraging eco-friendly practices and supporting local businesses can make tourism more sustainable and reduce its negative impacts. It’s about finding a balance that preserves the destination’s charm while accommodating tourists.
Lastly, educating both visitors and locals about responsible tourism is key. If everyone understands the impact of their actions and how to behave respectfully, it can make a big difference in managing the effects of high visitor numbers.

• GTP: What are your future plans for Selected Hideaways, and how do you intend to expand your presence in the coming years?
  

Panagiotis Kyritsis: Our future plans for Selected Hideaways focus on both strengthening our position in the Greek market and expanding our reach to more destinations. We aim to enhance our presence by renewing existing partnerships and forging new ones. Specifically, we are looking forward to new collaborations in Santorini, Milos, Athens, and Corfu starting in 2025. By building on our current successes and exploring additional destinations, we’re excited to offer even more exceptional experiences to our clients and solidify our role as a leader in luxury travel management.

Details on Selected Hideaways’ services can be found here.