Digi Hotel Stage 2024

Metaverse and hospitality, customer experience design, trends and developments in social media, digital advertising and online sales, financing programs, price parity, the new era of digital payments were be discussed on the Digi Hotel Stage.

Online sales & distribution analyzed by experts on day 3

The audience, consisting of top hotel executives and marketing professionals, had the opportunity to enrich their knowledge through innovative topics, top speakers and practical advice for improving the digital presence of hospitality businesses.

The program of the day was focused on Online Sales and how they can be a key pillar of profitability for hospitality businesses. Online Sales and the trends shaping the future was the first panel of day, moderated by journalist Viki Vamiedaki (News247). Vicky Dorzioti from AXIA Hospitality analyzed modern approaches to online sales management, emphasizing the importance of the right partnerships with OTAs and promoting direct bookings. For his part, George Gianios from Reload Hotel Sales spoke about the strategic use of tools and data, helping hotels remain competitive in an ever-changing environment. In his speech, Markos Georgiou from Loguers presented the latest technological developments affecting online sales, such as automated management tools, AI-driven platforms and sophisticated competitor monitoring methods.

Vicky Vamiedaki (News247), Vicky Dorzioti (AXIA HOSPITALITY), George Gianios (RELOAD HOTEL SALES)

Markos Georgiou (LOGUERS)

Alexandros Damigos from Advanced Travel Technologies explained how direct bookings can increase business profitability. The Do’s and Don’ts of online distribution were the topic of the speech by Ms. Tina Tsiambaou from webHotelier │ primalres, who recorded the critical points that hoteliers should pay attention to, such as pricing balance, transparency and the right choice of partners. During a Workshop, Stella Tsantila from Incrementum and Vasilis Riavoglou from Lighthouse Intelligence presented practical methods for adapting revenue strategies in uncertain periods, underlining the importance of flexibility and continuous review of goals.

With a topic on flexibility in the challenges of the time, Michalis Vamiedakis, President of Greece at Allsun Hotels and Development Consultant at Danaos Travel, spoke about the importance of quickly adapting to rapid market changes, citing specific examples.

Online Contracting and its importance in modern sales, was the topic developed by Federico Santos, founder of Puro Management, proposing a practical guide for the formation of online contracts that improve transparency and increase efficiency in collaborations. In his speech “Revenue at the Heart of Everything”, Nikos Tsitsoulis, CEO of HotelLab, argued that revenue management is not just a tool but the foundation of any strategy for maximizing revenue.

The day concluded with the Case Study of the Amaronda Resort & Spa hotel in Eretria. Dimitris Mathioudakis, co-founder of Mind The Ad, presented the successful case of Amaroda, analyzing how the hotel succeeded in increasing its visibility, maximizing its bookings and profits and strengthening its reputation through targeted online strategies.

Alexandros Damigos (ADVANCED TRAVEL TECHNOLOGIES)

Stella Tsantila (Incrementum), Vasilis Riavoglou (LIGHTHOUSE INTELLIGENCE)

A positive imprint on the future of hospitality

The third day of Digi Hotel 2024 brought to the fore the best practices, modern trends and the experience of leading professionals, leaving a sense of optimism and dynamism for the future of the industry. Participants left full of inspiration and new knowledge, ready to integrate innovative strategies into their businesses.

AI & Digital marketing and online bookings were discussed on day 2

The Digi Hotel Stage, for one more day, was filled with marketing experts, hotel executives and professionals from leading companies specializing in the digital hospitality sector. Through in-depth presentations, discussions and case studies, all the latest trends and developments affecting the industry were highlighted.

The day started dynamically with an extensive discussion on the latest trends in digital marketing, with moderator Angela Katseni, Head of Communications at OCM DIGITAL MEDIA, leading the discussion. Speakers Nikos Kapetanakis (GLOBE ONE DIGITAL), Michalis Ikoutas (THREE SIXTY MARKETING) and Fenia Artikopoulou (INK DESIGN) shared valuable information on the strategic use of data-driven campaigns, effective audience targeting and the creation of content that stands out.

Vasilis Polyzos, CEO of THE VSCOPE, analyzed the potential of AI in the creation of digital content. He presented examples of how artificial intelligence can enhance creativity, reduce production costs and offer unique experiences to visitors through personalized solutions. Sofia Gotsopoulou, Digital Marketing Specialist of WEB IN TOURISM, revealed how changes in social media algorithms are shaping the promotion strategy of businesses. Through practical examples, she highlighted the need for flexible approaches and emphasized the importance of authentic content to enhance appeal.

Angela Katseni (OCM DIGITAL MEDIA), Fenia Artikopoulou (INK DESIGN), Nikos Kapetanakis (GLOBE ONE DIGITAL), Michalis Ikoutas (THREE SIXTY MARKETING)

Vassilis Polyzos (THE VSCOPE)

The next section focused on last-minute bookings, an area that can determine the profitability of the business. Speakers Yiannis Koutsopoulos (ABOUTHOTELIER), Charalambos Sidiropoulos (BOOKRES) and Petros Aroukatos (DIGITAL UP) through a rich Workshop, presented strategies that leverage real-time data tools and dynamic pricing policies to increase last-minute bookings.

Nikos Fournarakis, Senior Manager – Data & AI Consulting at SATORI ANALYTICS, presented a vision for the hotel of the future. He referred to the use of artificial intelligence to manage the customer experience, personalize services and optimize hotel operations. Dimitris Serifis, CEO of NELIOS, focused on new technologies and digital trends that enhance instant bookings. He presented modern practices for the use of AI and highlighted the importance of using platforms that attract customers directly, reducing the cost of third-party providers.

The day concluded with an innovative presentation moderated by Katerina Saridaki, representative of CapsuleT. Solutions that combine AI technologies, financial technologies (fintech) and sustainable practices were presented, paving the way for the next day in the tourism sector, through the companies PrimeHost, travelr and Mystery pot.

Sofia Gotsopoulou (WEB IN TOURISM)

Yannis Koutsopoulos (ABOUTHOTELIER), Charalambos Sidiropoulos (BOOKRES),

Zacharoula Katradi (DIGITAL UP)

Hotel Digitalization at the agenda of the 1^st day

Digi Hotel Stage, the leading event for digital technologies in hospitality, made a dynamic start in Hall 1 of Xenia 2024 on Saturday, November 23rd. With a rich agenda of topics and participation from industry experts, the first day focused on key issues related to the transformation of hotels into competitive and fully digitalized businesses.

The program began with the Digital Transformation section, an enlightening discussion moderated by Viki Tryfona, a journalist at Powergame.gr. The speakers, Lambros Lambrianakis (HIT Hospitality), George Efremidis (ATLANTIS Engineering), Thomas Poulios (EPSILON HOSPITALITY AE) and Dimitris Charalambous (SOFTONE F&B), spoke about the challenges of the digital transition in hospitality. They explained how technology solutions and investments can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the customer experience.

Then, the speech of Marios Kounelis, Chief Sales Officer of WEBHOTELIER │ PRIMALRES, highlighted the advantages of tools such as PMS, Channel Managers, Booking Engines and RMS. He focused on how smart technologies help hotels manage reservations, availability and rates, maximizing their revenues. Then Panos Chalkias, Managing Director of TRANSACTION SYSTEMS, presented the latest trends in digital payments. From contactless transactions to innovations in data security, the speech highlighted the critical role of technology in the financial operations of hotels.

Christos Vaxamidis (CEO WEBOLUTION)

Marios Kounelis (Chief Sales Officer WEBHOTELIER │ PRIMALRES)

Hotel Digitalization at the agenda of the 1^st day

Elias Alexakis (Founder ORBITO)

Marios Kounelis (Chief Sales Officer WEBHOTELIER │ PRIMALRES)

The discussion around Hotel Website Latest Trends highlighted the importance of a modern, user-friendly website. Christos Vahamidis, CEO of WEBOLUTION, highlighted how a functional website, following new trends, can increase direct bookings and strengthen the hotel’s online presence. The next thematic section, How to Digitalize your Hotel Operations: Step by Step, presented a practical guide to digitizing a hotel’s operations. Speakers Evangelia Karalioliou (FLARMIO), Nikos Siglidis (OUTLIER HOSPITALITY) and Irini Lagasmi (SMART REP) explained step by step how the implementation of technology solutions can lead to significant improvements in performance and customer experience.

Sustainability was highlighted during the topic of ESG in Hospitality: Beating Challenges, Reaping Benefits with Digitalization. Moderated by technology journalist Fanouris Drakakis (2045.gr), speakers Alexandros Maniatopoulos (YODIWO), Maria M. Alexiou (Corporate Sustainability Expert) and Kostas Vamvakas (VK PREMIUM Business Consultants) discussed how hospitality businesses can combine technology with ESG principles, creating value for guests, the environment and society. A special presentation, entitled On the Spotlight: Accessibility & Inclusivity for Hotels, by Elias Alexakis, Founder of ORBITO TRAVEL, highlighted the importance of accessibility for guests with disabilities. Alexakis provided practical advice on how hotels can become more welcoming for everyone.

The program ended with the Education in the Digital Era session, which focused on the skills required for the future of hospitality. The coordinators Magda Peistikis (INSETE) and Evangelia Baralou (Alba Graduate Business School) hosted leading professionals: Yannis Batsis (Talent Development Expert), Vassilis Polyzos (THE VSCOPE), Vassilis Riavoglou (Lighthouse) and Ilias Skenderidis (Digital Marketing Strategist). The participants discussed the demands of the digital age and how education can prepare tourism executives for the future.