Today, we speak with Athanasios Molyviatis, Director of Sales and Revenue at Sandglass Hotels and Villas. From childhood dreams of becoming an archaeologist to navigating the exciting world of hospitality and following his dream to travel to every corner of the world, Athanasios brings a wealth of experience and a passion for exploration. Read on to learn more.
1. Can you provide a brief overview of your current role and its main responsibilities?
My role entails being a pivotal individual in driving commercial success by effectively managing marketing, sales, revenue, and guest experience initiatives as a collaborative team player. This enhances the overall profitability and reputation of the properties. Furthermore, it implies staying constantly updated on industry trends and innovative strategies, enabling the maintenance of a competitive edge in the hospitality landscape.
2. What does a typical day look like for you in your current position?
Throughout the day, flexibility is essential as priorities may shift, and unexpected issues may arise. Therefore, adaptability, strong leadership, and effective communication skills are crucial for success. A typical day involves a blend of planning, team management, client interactions, and data analysis. Additionally, coordination with other departments such as marketing, operations, and finance is necessary to ensure alignment on sales and revenue goals. It’s also important to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and innovative technologies related to sales and revenue management. Analyzing market trends, competitor pricing, and demand forecasts helps adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
Furthermore, utilizing revenue management software and tools to optimize room rates, inventory allocation, and distribution channels is imperative. Identifying opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and promotional activities is key to maximizing revenue. Conducting a morning meeting with the sales and revenue team to discuss goals, targets, and strategies for the day is essential. Providing updates on upcoming events, promotions, or changes in pricing strategies during the meeting ensures everyone is informed.
Finally, wrapping up the day by reviewing sales performance, revenue metrics, and any notable achievements or challenges is crucial for continuous improvement and future planning.
3. What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?
Mainly, seeing results is highly satisfying. Whether it’s exceeding sales targets, winning awards, or receiving positive feedback from guests and clients, observing the tangible outcomes of your efforts is immensely gratifying. Additionally, as a Director of Sales and Revenue, contributing to the hotel’s success is pivotal. Recognizing that your contributions directly impact its performance and profitability can be incredibly fulfilling.
4. Are there any skills or areas crucial for success in your role?
‘Strategic Planning’: Developing and executing strategic sales and marketing plans that align with the hotels’ overall objectives is vital for success in this role. Furthermore, ‘Market Analysis and Trends’: Keeping abreast of market trends, competitor analysis, and guest preferences is essential for making informed decisions and staying ahead of the competition. Additionally, ‘Adaptability and Resilience’: The hospitality industry is dynamic, and being able to adapt to changing market conditions, guest preferences, and business needs is key for success. Moreover, ‘Problem-Solving Abilities’: Being able to quickly identify and address challenges, whether it’s overcoming objections from clients or resolving operational issues, is crucial in a fast-paced environment like hospitality. Overall, a Director of Sales and Revenue must possess a combination of sales acumen, strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and industry knowledge to drive revenue growth and contribute to the overall success of the hotels.
5. What did you aspire to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be an archaeologist. Archaeology is a field that appeals to those with a passion for history, adventure, and discovery. It entails meticulous excavation, analysis, and interpretation of findings to gain insights into past civilizations and cultures. It’s no surprise that being Greek and a fan of Indiana Jones’s tales has fueled my love for exploration and curiosity about diverse cultures of humanity, ultimately leading me to the tourism industry.
6. Did you foresee working in real estate/hospitality during your youth?
I have been fortunate to travel extensively since childhood. I have always admired natural landscapes, unique architecture, and interacting with diverse people. Therefore, I believe that in one way or another, these experiences have led me to pursue a career in this sector.
7. What activities do you enjoy in your free time? What are you most passionate about?
Every activity involving the water element, reading, drawing, and sightseeing captivates me. However, my true passion, of course, is traveling. My life’s goal is to visit every country on the planet and experience life as a local.
8. What is the best place you have ever been to?
Every place is unique and has its own story to tell, and I love stories. Therefore, considering that I have visited the sacred rock of the Acropolis more than 100 times, I must say this is it.
9. The happiest moment in your life?
The birth of my daughter was both the happiest and most terrifying moment of my life.
10. Is there anything left on your bucket list?
My life goal is to travel to every country on the planet and immerse myself in the local way of life.
