Γειά σου! I’m Athanasia, a 25-year-old passionate about traveling, learning, and immersing myself in different cultures. Originally from beautiful Athens, Greece, I moved to the US seven years ago to pursue my college studies in tourism and hospitality while pursuing my basketball career. With experience as a 5-star resort sales manager and in-depth research in ecotourism and sustainable travel, I created this blog to share my travel stories, photos, tips, and thoughts with you! My extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, ranging from luxury resort sales to eco-tourism and culinary tours in Greece and Italy, coupled with my dedication to sustainability and cultural appreciation, allows me to craft unforgettable travel experiences that showcase the beauty of the world while promoting responsible travel practices.
In this platform, you’ll get not only travel inspiration and guidance but you are also able to book me for one on one consultations for your next trip to Greece. We will discuss your ideas, goals, purpose and what experience you want out of your next trip and create a customized itinerary for your needs. My goal is to offer you an authentic travel trip, where you will have the chance to experience, learn and immerse yourself in the Greek culture. My aim is bringing the Ancient Greek Aesthete ideology in your contemporary living.
Related Work
My research focuses on exploring the rich cultures of Greek and Pacific islands and finding ways to integrate sustainable practices into both environmental and cultural aspects. By incorporating ecotourism and cultural entrepreneurship, I aim to support the United Nations World Tourism Organization's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and 12. Through interviews with local stakeholders and businesses in Greece and the Pacific, as well as a review of relevant government initiatives, I have uncovered recurring problems and concerns that have yet to be effectively addressed. By consulting with experts in the tourism and sustainability fields and drawing on valuable insights from these regions, I have developed a comprehensive tourism consultation. This resource provides aspiring cultural tourism entrepreneurs with practical steps to incorporate into their business plans, helping to tackle these recurring problems and contribute to the improvement of island communities.
Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA)
As an accredited Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) by Visit Anaheim, my expertise extends beyond mere certification. I bring comprehensive knowledge of the Southern California travel and tourism market, coupled with a dedication to exceptional customer service. The CTA Program serves as a testament to our commitment to elevate tourism experiences, ensuring every visitor encounter is memorable and positive. Through ongoing collaboration and engagement with our industry community, the program continues to thrive, benefiting all stakeholders involved in Southern California's vibrant travel and tourism sector.
Earlier this year, I was honored to be a part of Visit California's Travel Matters Campaign. As part of a group of hospitality and tourism professionals and students, we discussed the importance of sustainability and shared our views and aspirations for the industry. As a result of the pandemic and the challenging year 2020 for the tourism and hospitality industry, nature has been rejuvenated and tourism motivations have changed. The impact of tourism on both the environment and local cultures is significant, and sustainability provides a way to enjoy travel and tourism without harming the environment. The complete article can be found by clicking on the link or watching the video on YouTube!
The Aesthete perspective
Throughout my journey as a certified tourism ambassador, sustainable travel researcher, and former 5-star resort hotelier, I've cultivated a unique approach to crafting travel experiences. I intertwine exceptional customer service and hospitality with mindfulness and intentionality, offering a fusion of luxury and conscientious travel. By blending the principles of mindful travel with the hallmarks of 5-star service, I aim to provide travelers with experiences that transcend the ordinary. Each curated journey is infused with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that guests not only enjoy unparalleled hospitality but also embark on transformative and meaningful adventures.
Those who want to start enjoying daily life a bit more, to see and appreciate the beauty around them, and to adopt some of the traits of an aesthete's approach to life will benefit from "The Greek Aesthete".