Konstantinos Papikas, Sales Manager of Imaret talks about his goals, the landmark itself and Kavala city’s mesmerising beauties.
H.A: What are the goals you have set as Sales Manager of Imaret ?
K.P: Imaret is a destination in itself and its’ unique identity & character offers a vantage point in promoting it. Whatever plan I could have set prior to my arrival at Imaret in terms of sales, could not have applied here. And I’m glad for it, as this presents a challenge for me, too.
Our main focus is of course, to increase sales and revenue throughout all outlets of Imaret, as well as improve the overall positioning of the property throughout all markets. We have already taken steps towards that end and by the end of November we will have some preliminary results.
The biggest problem (and this is one of the rare occasions I peruse the term “problem”) that we all face this period is the covid crisis. We would not consider ourselves serious if this was not taken under, or if the outcome expected would have appear sooner & better from all actions taken.
An inside joke at sales is that “we take actions today and expect results the next semester (at best)”. Though, with the unpredictable data of this crisis and the fact that the industry in itself has faced a major setback, it will be almost impossible to forecast when actual positive results will appear and when this “hibernation” will seize. Our hopes and wishes is the soonest possible, hope to God.
H.A: Imaret is a landmark for the city of Kavala. What are the key elements that made it distinguish?
K.P: Imaret is an integral part of the history of Kavala and is entwined with its’ people. A restored monument with a unique architecture that offers all guests a trip to the past and to a long-lost bygone era; a bridge (if you allow the expression) between the “mystical orient” and the “modern west”, bonding the cultures and erasing border lines.
Imaret offers all guests a trip to the past, a long-lost bygone era. A bridge between the “mystical orient” and the “modern west”
Konstantinos Papikas- Imaret
Apart from the history and architecture, Imaret is a way of life; gardens surrounding squares with fountains, rock-paved paths, views of the port and the city of Kavala, daily experiences available to all guests (for example, greek coffee in chovoli & served with loukoumi). And let’s not forget our meals; more than 200 traditional and monastery recipes are at our disposal and are prepared for our guests. This is also, a reason that many non-resident guests visit Imaret only for dinner, as to experience this blend of ingredients and dishes.
It goes without saying that a key element of Imaret is the people; regardless of all key aspects of the property, team members that love Imaret and what they do are a key element that elevate it even further.
H.A: With origin from Northern Greece how would you “persuade” somebody to choose Kavala as a destination?
K.P: Despite the fact that I was born & raised in a village of Serres, there are many differences between these 2 cities;
From the layout of the land, to the daily activities of their people and to the number of cultures intermingling daily. Both cities offer similar history and traditions to their visitors, yet Kavala is a hub and has assimilated many traditions from travelers throughout history. This is a reason that Imaret is a destination within the destination of Kavala.
My suggestion would not be to visit Kavala for Imaret, rather than visit Imaret for Kavala. And let’s not forget that visitors of Imaret come for the serenity, seclusion and experience that we have to offer.
H.A: Having worked for prestigious hotels in Mykonos, Santorini and Athens do you believe that Greece’s tourist product has been adequately elevated by their efforts?
K.P: There is truth in that; these destinations have managed to elevate themselves above the destination that was previously known as Greece. Mykonos for example has been made to a standalone destination with what its’ hoteliers and businessmen branded it during the past decade or so, Santorini the same. As for Athens, during the past 5 years approximately has been made into a destination, not a mere layover.
This is also, part of my vision for Imaret, not to select it because it is in Kavala, rather than select Imaret per se as a brand in the general destination of Kavala. And trust me, by branding the majority (if not all) of Greece, visitation would increase and we would present a much more efficient product. Here’s hoping that this vision could be shared by most of us in the industry.
Part of my vision for Imaret is to select it as a brand in the general destination of Kavala
Konstantinos Papikas- Imaret
H.A: Describe yourself in 3 words
K.P: Passionate, patient, visionary.
Rendez vous with history on Imaret
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