The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines tourism as people “traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment” for leisure, business, or other purposes.

The word “Tourism” derives from the Ancient Greek word “tornos” (τόρνος) – “lathe”. The Latin word is “tornare”, the French is “torner”, the English is “turian”. Means, people are touring aiming to explore, to experience, to taste, to meet other people, to visit historical sites etc.  In the classical antiquity, Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman civilizations, people were touring a lot, to visit sights, to watch the Olympic games, the 7 wonders or other, for thermal and health reasons or else. That was the concept of tourism.
Very little we know about how tourists feel about tourism in the destination. Taking the opportunity of the World Tourism Day, we provided a questionnaire in all Koullias Hotels (Achilleas Beach, Eurovillage Achilleas, Atlantis, Grand Blue, Kouros Palace, Kosta Palace). We asked our guests: “What does tourism mean to you?”.  They answered: “knowledge, local specialities”, “experiencing new cultures”, “to visit other countries and regions with respect to the place, the religion”, “recreation, to learn the world, other cultures, being open minded to new things”, “hospitality, kindness and good atmosphere”, “visit other countries and culture. Enjoy the atmosphere”. The answers gave a bright insight to us. In Koulias Hotels curiosity is about knowing what the needs of our guests are, what they’re thinking, what matches to their interests etc. Vacation is the opportunity for people to come closer as tourists with the locals. We’re are working hard on planning the hotel services. We present Kos and its gems through experiences. Senses are the key that open the mind, the heart, the feelings. For example: A red juicy delicious watermelon revitalizes the body and provides an unforgettable summer taste. A fresh Greek salad with local vegetables, cheese and herbs is the passport to the land’s treasures. We use more local products in our kitchens, wishing to introduce you to the Koan Gastronomy. We asked our guests “whether the local recipes and dishes are part of their Greek experience?”. They answered “absolutely”.  Gastronomic experiences make people happy and often feature interactive, sensory experiences (touch, taste, smell, etc.).
Staff of the hotels are communicated to the clients above gastronomic experience. We consider employees a valuable asset for the Koullias Hotels’ success. A balanced relationship and trust, is developed throughout the years. We feel they are committed and involved with the hotels, offering a high level of job performance and service to the customers, ensuring their satisfaction. Thus, repeaters are the result of the long lasting relationships with the guests. A life time value towards the company and towards the staff with which the friendship established and the mutual understanding is the benefit of the loyalty (company philosophy). The discussion is still running about the impact of tourism in a destination. Eco-system is a priority motivated by the respect of the human, the community, the environment. Koullias Hotels have implemented activities, monitoring system, to ensure safety and protection of the environment. Staff and guests are playing a core role in the attitude. We took the initiative to ask guests in the hotels if and how they are willing to contribute. Question: “all our hotels are committed to sustainable and environment – friendly policies. How would you support us in our efforts during your stay?”. Here what they answered: “separate waste”, “less use of the air-condition”, “help with recycling, follow hotel policies”, “reusable packages”
All findings help the hotel managers to take into consideration tourists' views for efficient services and policy planning, customer satisfaction, encouraging emotional bonds of the guests with the staff, the locals, the place. At the end, feelings and perceptions are the outcome of tourism.

KOS is the birthplace of HIPPOCRATES (460-370 BC), the Father of Western Medicine

Hippocrates, was a philosopher, scientist, author, doctor - one of the greatest in a galaxy of great minds of the ancient Greek World. He was practically a contemporary of Plato (429-347 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC, who later became the tutor of Alexander the Great) and of some of the great playwrights of Athens. He traveled extensively and offered his services in many Greek cities out of Kos in Asklepeion.
His therapeutic methods started with the careful observation of the phenomena of disease, attempting a rational approach to diagnosis. The treatment placed emphasis on the patient and relied on the recovery ability of the human body when placed in the proper environment and supported by the appropriate medicines.
Koullias hotels (Achilleas Beach, Eurovillage Achilleas, Atlantis, Grand Blue, Kouros Palace, Kosta Palace), aim to share the inspiration, knowledge, values and approach of Hippocrates, “Father of Western Medicine”, on health and well-being for over 2.500 years. Koullias Hotels support the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos and sponsor the development and maintenance of the famous Hippocrates Botanical Gardens. It is committed to raising awareness and encouraging visits to the museum and botanical garden. It aims to share with hotels guests, the inspiration, knowledge, values and approach of Hippocrates.
We asked guests in all the hotels: “Koullias Hotels sponsor the Botanical Garden of the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos. Do you believe that we should incorporate in our lives Hippocrates’ philosophy about “wellbeing” and the natural remedies he used? Here you can find more info: https://hippocraticfoundation.org/  They answered: “very much so”.

Some Hippocrates Quotes:

“Your foods shall be your 'remedies,' and your 'remedies' shall be your foods”
“The greatest medicine of all is teaching people how not to need it”
“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.”
“Walking is man's best medicine.”
“If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.”
“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health”

 

We’ll be delighted to get your feed-back on above thesis about tourism and commitment in environmental actions in a destination. Are you interested in getting more information about Hippocrates? Do you also believe that his quotes, before 2.500 years, are still in high priority for ensuring a meaningful life, with wellbeing, in harmony with other people and the nature?