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When travelers choose the Astir Odysseus Kos Resort & Spa while making plans to visit Kos, they have made the most ideal start for a journey full of experiences, according to the resort’s general manager, Lefteris Parvantonis.

A 5-star hotel in the Tigaki area of the Greek island of Kos, the Astir Odysseus Kos offers discreet luxury and high elegance combined with contemporary comforts.

“Our goal is to provide clients with high standard services while we maintain the spirit of Greek hospitality and personalized service,” Parvantonis tells GTP Headlines.

With Greece’s opening for the 2021 tourism season on its way, Parvantonis gives us an introduction of the resort, its philosophy and its new services. The Αstir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa counts over 10 years of offering high hospitality services on the island of Kos.

“All of us at Astir Odysseus are looking forward to the beginning of the new season as we want to present our new services,” he says.

• GTP: Lefteris, please share some career highlights with our readers. What motivated you to go into the hotel industry?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: From a young age I worked in the catering sector where high standards of service are always a requirement. My studies in management of tourism businesses formed the next step that led me to engage in the hotel industry. In my first years at Astir Odysseus Kos, since 2010, I was employed in the catering sector. However, following on, I made a change towards the Front Office department. I followed every step of the way and since January 2020 I am the manager of Astir Odysseus, which is an honor.

• GTP: What are the main features of the Αstir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa and what makes it unique? How does the resort differ from other accommodation options on Kos?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: Astir Odysseus is located on the Bamialiki coast which is awarded with the Blue Flag. The main trait of the hotel is the element of water which can be found in numerous decorative (and non-decorative) pools. It flawlessly couples modern with classic architecture by offering choices that cater to every aesthetic. Our goal is to provide guests with high standard services while we maintain the spirit of Greek hospitality and personalized service.
The hotel’s main characteristic is its friendly staff in combination with impeccable service. We focus on offering our clients innovative provisions such as the climbing wall located on the hotel’s premises. I should also mention that we promote not only Greek but also local gastronomy. We present our guests with the opportunity to taste local products of Kos Island and the wider area of Dodecanese in our restaurants.

• GTP: Teamwork is the key for success. How, as manager, do you motivate service staff?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: At Astir Odysseus we are open to new ideas and employees have the opportunity to leave their own distinct mark. My motto is a phrase used by the hotel’s owner, Mr. Ranis: “Our staff is our collaborators”. Thus, his priority is his collaborators’ satisfaction which will be transmitted to the resort’s guests as well. This philosophy has led to the creation of a powerful team whose 80% of the members are consistent for the last five years.

• GTP: Kos is among Greece’s most popular destinations. What should travelers expect from their visit to the island in combination with their stay at the Αstir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: Kos is an island which can offer everything to its guests. Clean beaches, a vast variety of gastronomical choices, night life and a great historical as well as archaeological interest. I must say that someone will be making the most ideal start for a journey full of experiences by choosing Astir Odysseus. We provide our guests with the chance to enjoy an absolutely relaxing holiday package while, in the meantime, they can explore numerous activities that will remain unforgettable.

• GTP: How is the Αstir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa responding to offering hospitality services in the Covid-19 era? As an industry professional, what would be your best piece of advice for travelers in these times?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: All the necessary measures have been taken by our hotel, with a high sense of responsibility, to protect our guests and our employees. All our staff members are trained in preventive measures and new operational standards according to our set protocols. It is our goal and intention to keep all our services on a high-quality level while ensuring our guests’ safety. I would say to travelers that by following the experts’ guidelines and by keeping themselves safe we all contribute to the survival of tourism.

• GTP: What concerns do you have as a professional in the Greek hospitality industry?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: Like everyone else working in tourism, I am worried about the long-term effect of Covid-19 on the global tourism industry. The impact at the moment is huge and no one can predict when the recovery will begin. The biggest concern is when the traveller will feel safe again to book his vacation without restrictions.

• GTP: What should we expect next from the Αstir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa? What is the vision?
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: All of us at Astir Odysseus are looking forward to the beginning of the new season as we want to present our new services. The renovated pool bar and restaurant combined with the new catalogues in all F&B departments is our new income. Now more than ever we focus on staff training. Our vision is to offer services with the highest quality.

• GTP: A day in the life of a hotel manager is…
  

Lefteris Parvantonis: A day in the life of a hotel manager begins with the search to improve ourselves. This profession is in constant renewal and requires our total commitment and dedication. With great pleasure I continue to learn as there is always something new and challenging in the tourism industry.

From: https://news.gtp.gr/