Interview with Mr. Theodoros Mylonakis, Chairman of the Governing Board, MTS Globe Group
By Lilian Psylla & Margarita Manousou
At the sidelines of the ITB international exhibition, Mr. Theodoros Mylonakis, head of MTS Globe Group across 21 countries, shared his insights on the past year and the strategies that drove the company’s success. He delves into the role of sustainability in the tourism industry and how Greece can take a leading role in shaping the future.
This interview offers valuable insights on the present and future of sustainable tourism, featuring insights from a leading expert in tourism flow management and customer service, both in Greece and internationally.
How was the past year for MTS Globe Group?
The year 2024 was undoubtedly our best yet, both for Greece and for our group globally. As the head of the company across 21 countries, I can confidently say that we achieved our strongest results—not only financially but also in terms of reputation, service quality, and the overall experience we deliver to our customers.
Sustainability is a key pillar in our 2025-2030 strategy
Did you take a different approach in 2024?
Absolutely. Every year, our goal is to create even greater value for our customers—that’s what sets us apart. We are the largest private company worldwide to offer a comprehensive tourism service package. We provide hotel training in over 80 destinations, local services (DMC), and customer support, including rep services for any traveler needs.
Essentially, we operate as a one-stop shop for all tourism-related services—not just for individual travelers but also for tour operators, helping them market and sell their travel packages more effectively.
What are your expectations for the current year?
In recent years, especially post-pandemic, we have seen a significant shift in consumer behavior. Before COVID-19, people prioritized essential expenses first and then considered travel. Now, holidays have become a top priority, with customers adjusting their spending in other areas to secure quality vacations. Today, travel is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. This shift means that the demand for high-quality tourism experiences will continue to grow.
Sustainability is a major topic in tourism. How does your company approach it, and what are your plans for the next five years?
Sustainability is a key pillar in our 2025-2030 strategy. Part of this plan is to define what sustainable tourism truly means for Greece and implement actionable steps to achieve it.
Of course, it’s a complex challenge. You can’t simply decide overnight to switch all transportation to electric vehicles. It requires planning, investment, and a clear roadmap. Our goal is to set a clear vision over the next five years, ensuring that Greece, as one of the world’s top destinations, becomes a leader in sustainable tourism.
Have you implemented any specific sustainability initiatives so far?
Yes, and one of the key issues we’ve identified is water scarcity, particularly in destinations like Crete and Rhodes. Hotels must actively manage water consumption more efficiently.
For example, consider the amount of water wasted during showers—the temperature, pressure, and overall usage. In Greece, there is little focus on these details at the moment, but this must change.
Could solutions include automated water-saving policies, such as limiting hot water usage after a certain period or regulating pressure?
Exactly. Energy consumption is another crucial challenge. Since government action has been limited, the private sector must take the lead.
So far, only a fraction of the necessary sustainability initiatives have been implemented—less than 1% of what needs to be done. We must move much faster. Greece is not a new market—it has been a major tourism destination for decades, with thousands of hotel beds and millions of visitors every year. We can’t afford to wait. We must be leaders in the market, not just followers.
