How can the tourism industry adapt to the current environmental, demographic, and work-related trends while considering both their positive and negative impacts?
Climate change, demographic shifts in Western countries, and the hybrid work model all present opportunities for extending the tourist season. Simultaneously, reshaping the economy to cater to year-round tourism and rebranding destinations to attract visitors become imperative. What architectural strategies can support these ambitious goals?
Through an interdisciplinary approach, we examine the role of architecture in generating value for the tourism sector and its contribution to economic sustainability and the balance of trade in an era where tourism plays a pivotal role in the global economy. In this discussion, we focus on how architecture shapes the traveler’s experience while simultaneously influencing the economic performance of the tourism industry.
1 - 3 DECEMBER 2023
Hotels play a pivotal role in either contributing to or hindering the sustainable development of a destination, depending on their needs and architectural programs. What should be the foundations for an effective collaboration between hotels and local authorities? What reciprocal benefits can hotels offer to the local community? What are the needs of architects as they engage with municipal representatives? What institutional connections can be established within a government agency to ensure steps toward tourism development benefit both sides positively? In this conversation, we assess the current state of affairs and gather proposals, drawing from the experiences of hoteliers, architects, and policymakers.
1 DECEMBER 2023
PRIVATE DINNER SPEAKERS & SPONSORS
2 DECEMBER 2023
CONFERENCE DAY
12:00-12:30 Salutations from Officials
Danai Makri - PRESENTER MODERATOR / Head of Content Design Ambassador/ARCHISEARCH.gr
Angela Gerekou - PRESIDENT OF THE HELLENIC TOURISM ORGANISATION (EOT)
Nikolaos Kalogeris - VICE GOVERNOR, CHANIA REGIONAL UNIT
Panagiotis Simandirakis - MAYOR OF MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA
Kyriakos G. Kotsoglou - VICE GOVERNOR FOR TOURISM & E-GOVERNMENT, AT REGION OF CRETE
Nektarios Psaroudakis - DEPUTY MAYOR OF TOURISM - CHANIA
Giannis Giannakakis - CHAIRMAN OF CAM-DEPUTY MAYOR OF CULTURE - CHANIA
Manolis Giannoulis - PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CHANIA HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION
Manolis Tsakalakis - PRESIDENT OF RETHYMNON HOTELIERS & GENERAL SECRETARY, HELLENIC HOTELIERS FEDERATION.
Alexandros Angelopoulos - VICE PRESIDENT OF HERACLION HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION
Konstantina Svynou - PRESIDENT OF THE INSITUTE OF TOURISM RESEARCH (presentation of investments of sustainability viability and the Greek hoteliers)
12:35-12:55 Keynote
Yiannis Tsakalos - AQ STRATEGY CEO (ΤΟURISM REVOLUTION)
Konstantina Svynou - PRESIDENT OF THE INSITUTE OF TOURISM RESEARCH (presentation of investments of sustainability viability and the Greek hoteliers)
13:00 - 13:30 - PANEL 1
The rapid growth in tourism continues to drive the need for infrastructure that can meet evolving demands. But what exactly do we mean by “infrastructure”? How do we perceive the significance of infrastructure across its entire spectrum, ranging from large-scale projects to everyday amenities? Can small interventions that make exploration sustainable and encourage authentic local interactions promote a sustainable tourism model? Can they contribute to preserving the essence of “outdoor Greek life” in the era of climate change?
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- How can architects collaborate with local authorities to design urban infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for both residents and tourists?
- In what ways can sustainable urban planning and architecture contribute to minimizing the environmental impact of tourism in cities?
- What role does data-driven decision-making play in optimizing the scale and impact of urban infrastructure projects in the context of tourism?
- How can innovative transportation solutions and smart mobility systems address congestion and improve accessibility in tourist-centric urban areas?
- Are there successful examples of small-scale architectural interventions that have significantly improved the tourism experience in cities?
- What strategies can hoteliers adopt to align their infrastructure with sustainable urban development goals while meeting the needs of tourists?
- How do local authorities balance the demands of tourism-related infrastructure with the preservation of cultural heritage and historical sites?
- Can architectural design foster social inclusion and equity within urban tourism destinations, and if so, how?
- What best practices exist for integrating green infrastructure and renewable energy solutions into urban development projects aimed at accommodating tourists?
- How can place branding experts contribute to promoting sustainable urban tourism while preserving the authentic character of a city?
13:30 - 13:40 Keynote
Leon Avigad - BROWN HOTELS CEO-CO FOUNDER (WHY I INVEST IN GREECE/ EXPERIENCE OF A FOREIGN INVESTOR IN GREECE)
13:40 - 14:10 - PANEL 2
How can the tourism industry adapt to the current environmental, demographic, and work-related trends while considering both their positive and negative impacts? Climate change, demographic shifts in Western countries, and the hybrid work model all present opportunities for extending the tourist season. Simultaneously, reshaping the economy to cater to year-round tourism and rebranding destinations to attract visitors become imperative. What architectural strategies can support these ambitious goals?
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- How can architects and urban planners contribute to creating tourism infrastructures that are adaptable to changing environmental conditions and seasonal variations?
- In the context of extended tourism seasons, what design principles should architects consider to ensure the sustainability and resilience of built environments?
- What innovative architectural solutions can enhance the appeal of destinations during the off-peak season and mitigate the impact of overcrowding during peak periods?
- How can local authorities collaborate with architects to incentivize sustainable design and construction practices that align with the goal of extending the tourist season?
- What role does architectural preservation and adaptive reuse play in rebranding and revitalizing tourism destinations for year-round appeal?
- Can architectural design foster cultural and ecological sustainability while accommodating the evolving needs of both residents and tourists?
- In what ways can data-driven insights inform architectural decisions to optimize tourism experiences across different seasons?
- How can architectural design and planning address the challenges of infrastructure maintenance and conservation in tourist destinations with extended seasons?
- What examples exist of successful architectural projects that have contributed to redefining a destination’s identity and attracting diverse visitor profiles?
- How can place branding experts collaborate with architects and local authorities to promote destinations as year-round tourist hubs, and what key messages should they convey?
14:15 - 14:45 - PANEL 3
This panel explores our approach to shaping and fostering public spaces and structures. What constitutes the ideal conditions for competitive processes in public space and building design? What valuable insights can we draw from international best practices? Will the high standards and stringent specifications applied to building construction extend to the broader public realm? Additionally, this panel will define the value of urban and spatial planning, transcending individual buildings, to impact everyday coexistence and place branding.
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- How can architectural and urban design practices contribute to creating more inclusive and vibrant public spaces that cater to diverse community needs?
- Are there specific international examples of public space revitalization projects that have successfully transformed cities and regions, and what lessons can we learn from them?
- In the context of competitive processes for public space design, what role does community engagement and participation play in shaping the final outcome?
- How can architects and urban planners balance the need for aesthetic and functional considerations when reimagining public spaces and buildings?
- To what extent should sustainability and eco-conscious design principles be integrated into public space and building projects, and how can they enhance the quality of urban life?
- What strategies and best practices can local authorities employ to ensure that high architectural and planning standards are maintained in public spaces?
- Can place branding initiatives be leveraged to promote the unique identity of cities and regions through their public spaces and architecture?
- What technologies and innovations in architecture and urban planning are emerging to improve the usability and resilience of public spaces?
- How can architects and urban planners incorporate cultural heritage preservation into contemporary public space design to maintain a connection with a region’s history?
- Can public spaces and buildings be designed to encourage social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and community among residents and visitors alike?
14:45 - 14:55 Keynote
Spyros Hound - Creating Narratives with Photography
14:55 - 15:25 - PANEL 4
The use of tourist numbers as the primary indicator of tourism development is a clear example of focusing on a single metric. However, can it define a sustainable tourism development model? On the architectural level, do certifications alone suffice to demonstrate a genuinely sustainable building? Sustainability in tourism is a multidimensional issue that must consider numerous factors.
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- How can architectural and urban design practices contribute to creating more inclusive and vibrant public spaces that cater to diverse community needs?
- Are there specific international examples of public space revitalization projects that have successfully transformed cities and regions, and what lessons can we learn from them?
- In the context of competitive processes for public space design, what role does community engagement and participation play in shaping the final outcome?
- How can architects and urban planners balance the need for aesthetic and functional considerations when reimagining public spaces and buildings?
- To what extent should sustainability and eco-conscious design principles be integrated into public space and building projects, and how can they enhance the quality of urban life?
- What strategies and best practices can local authorities employ to ensure that high architectural and planning standards are maintained in public spaces?
- Can place branding initiatives be leveraged to promote the unique identity of cities and regions through their public spaces and architecture?
- What technologies and innovations in architecture and urban planning are emerging to improve the usability and resilience of public spaces?
- How can architects and urban planners incorporate cultural heritage preservation into contemporary public space design to maintain a connection with a region’s history?
- Can public spaces and buildings be designed to encourage social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and community among residents and visitors alike?
15:30 - 16:00 - PANEL 5
Through an interdisciplinary approach, we examine the role of architecture in generating value for the tourism sector and its contribution to economic sustainability and the balance of trade in an era where tourism plays a pivotal role in the global economy. In this discussion, we focus on how architecture shapes the traveler’s experience while simultaneously influencing the economic performance of the tourism industry.
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- In what ways can architectural design enhance the financial sustainability of tourism destinations, considering factors like increased revenue, cost savings, and attracting high-value tourists?
- Are there specific architectural innovations that have proven to be particularly lucrative for the tourism industry, such as iconic landmarks or unique building designs?
- How can architects collaborate with local authorities and businesses to create tourism infrastructure that not only attracts visitors but also supports the long-term financial stability of the region?
- What are some case studies where architectural interventions have significantly improved the economic prospects of a tourism destination?
- In what ways can sustainable architectural practices align with financial sustainability, and how can they be promoted within the industry?
- How do architectural choices impact a destination’s ability to compete in the global tourism market and generate positive returns on investment?
- Can architecture contribute to diversifying tourism offerings and extending the tourist season, thereby reducing dependence on seasonal fluctuations?
- Are there examples of architectural projects that have successfully revitalized declining tourism regions and, if so, what lessons can be learned from these experiences?
- What role can architectural preservation and adaptive reuse play in generating economic value from historical and cultural assets?
- How can architectural design enhance the overall guest experience, leading to increased visitor spending and repeat visits, thus contributing to the financial sustainability of tourism destinations?
16:00 - 16:10 In Conversation (Video)
Fotis Kokotos - PHOTO & TITLE
16:10 - 16:40 - PANEL 6
Hotels play a pivotal role in either contributing to or hindering the sustainable development of a destination, depending on their needs and architectural programs. What should be the foundations for an effective collaboration between hotels and local authorities? What reciprocal benefits can hotels offer to the local community? What are the needs of architects as they engage with municipal representatives? What institutional connections can be established within a government agency to ensure steps toward tourism development benefit both sides positively? In this panel, we assess the current state of affairs and gather proposals, drawing from the experiences of hoteliers, architects, and policymakers.
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- How can hotels and local authorities establish a collaborative framework to ensure the sustainable development of tourism destinations?
- What specific benefits can hotels bring to the local community beyond economic contributions, and how can these benefits be quantified or measured?
- From an architectural perspective, what considerations should be made when designing hotels to align with the needs and goals of local authorities?
- Are there any successful case studies where hotels and local governments have worked together to achieve sustainable tourism development?
- How can architects actively engage with municipal representatives to incorporate local needs and preferences into hotel design and development?
- What role can government agencies play in facilitating partnerships between hotels, architects, and local communities for sustainable tourism initiatives?
- Are there any innovative financing models or incentives that encourage hotels to invest in sustainable practices and contribute positively to local development?
- How can place branding strategies be employed to strengthen the collaboration between hotels and local authorities in promoting a destination?
- What challenges and barriers have been encountered in past collaborations between hotels and local governments, and how can these be addressed moving forward?
- Can you share specific recommendations or best practices for creating a win-win situation where both hotels and local authorities benefit from their collaboration?
16:45 - 17:15 - PANEL 7
This panel aims to deepen our understanding of the intricate dynamics between short-term rentals, architecture, and the communities they inhabit. How can these factors harmoniously coexist? What challenges arise, and how can they inspire innovative approaches that benefit both travelers and permanent residents? By examining the evolving landscape of tourism and architecture, we can work towards creating new sustainable typologies and vibrant communities for all stakeholders involved.
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- Short-term rentals have transformed residential areas in many tourist destinations. How can architects play a role in designing spaces that accommodate both visitors and permanent residents?
- What are the key architectural considerations when planning short-term rental properties to ensure they blend seamlessly with the existing community?
- How can local governments and municipalities collaborate with architects and short-term rental platforms to establish regulations that benefit all stakeholders?
- In what ways can architects contribute to the development of sustainable, mixed-use spaces that promote community cohesion and inclusivity in areas affected by short-term rentals?
- Are there any successful examples of architectural designs or urban planning strategies that have effectively addressed the challenges posed by short-term rentals?
- What potential conflicts can arise between travelers and permanent residents in areas dominated by short-term rentals, and how can these be mitigated through architectural interventions?
- How can architectural innovation help reduce the environmental impact of short-term rentals and promote sustainable tourism practices?
- What role can place branding and community engagement play in fostering positive interactions between short-term renters and local residents?
- Are there opportunities for architects and short-term rental platforms to collaborate on projects that enhance the overall tourism experience while respecting the needs of the community?
- How can architects, local authorities, and stakeholders work together to create a win-win situation where short-term rentals enhance the local economy and maintain the quality of life for residents?
17:15 - 17:35 In Conversation with Steve Vranakis and AMCHAM Gen. Secretary Alexandros Costopoulos
Steve Vranakis - A conversation about Greece, Innovation, Experience Design and the Reverse Brain Drain with Steve Vranakis Creative Activist and Board Member of the GNTO and Alexandros Costopoulos GenSec of AMCHAM Greece.
17:35 - 18:05 - PANEL 8
The challenge of extending the tourist season and attracting a diverse range of travelers inspires creativity. We uncover paths, celebrations, culinary events, and experiences beyond the established standards of “sea and sun” summer leisure. Can the nature and lifestyle of a region inspire themed hotels? How can architectural design respond? Can large tourism infrastructures remain financially sustainable over an extended season, and what additions to their offerings are required? How can place branding help convey the message?
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- Themed hotels have gained popularity as unique tourist attractions. What are some architectural considerations when designing themed hotels to create memorable guest experiences?
- How can architects incorporate the natural environment and local culture into the design of themed hotels to offer authentic and sustainable experiences?
- Extending the tourist season often requires diversifying attractions. What are some innovative architectural solutions for seasonal adaptation that can attract visitors year-round?
- In what ways can architects and designers collaborate with local communities to create themed hotels that celebrate the region’s heritage and traditions?
- Large tourism infrastructures can face challenges in achieving economic sustainability during extended seasons. What architectural strategies can optimize resource use and energy efficiency to address this?
- Sustainability is a growing concern in the tourism industry. How can themed hotels be designed with eco-friendly features, and how can these initiatives be incorporated into their branding?
- Can you provide examples of themed hotels that have successfully integrated architecture, local culture, and sustainability to create unique and economically viable experiences?
- What role does digital technology and immersive architectural design play in enhancing the guest experience at themed hotels?
- How can themed hotels and architecture contribute to the broader goals of destination branding and marketing, attracting a diverse range of travelers?
- What are some challenges and opportunities that architects face when designing themed hotels in regions with distinct seasonal patterns, and how can these challenges be addressed through design and branding?
18:10 - 18:40 - PANEL 9
AI-powered rooms adjust all conditions, even resizing spaces using mobile elements according to each occupant’s preferences. Digital 3D printers produce raw materials for local delicacies. Automated transport systems operate instantly for an on-demand, synchronized travel experience. What does “realistic proposals” mean today for travel experiences and architectural production, and what can it mean in the future? What we currently research and organize through our smartphones could become automated through data collection. Science fiction movies become reality, and research evolves into realities beyond imagination.
INDICATIVE QUESTIONS
- Extreme personalization through AI and data collection seems to be transforming the travel experience. How do you envision this trend shaping the architecture of hotels and tourist destinations in the future?
- With AI-powered rooms that adjust to individual preferences, how can architects strike a balance between personalization and maintaining a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design for hotels and resorts?
- The use of digital 3D printers for local delicacies is an intriguing concept. How can architecture and design integrate technology like 3D printing to enhance the culinary experience for travelers?
- Automation and on-demand experiences are becoming integral to travel. How can architects and designers create physical spaces that seamlessly interact with these digital and automated services?
- As we move towards extreme personalization, how can architecture accommodate travelers with diverse needs and preferences, including accessibility considerations?
- Data collection plays a significant role in personalizing experiences. What ethical considerations should architects and the tourism industry keep in mind when handling sensitive traveler data?
- Could you provide examples of existing or conceptual architectural projects that exemplify extreme personalization through data, and how have they been received by travelers?
- With the convergence of technology and architecture, how do you see the role of the human architect evolving in creating these highly personalized spaces?
- As science fiction becomes reality, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee in implementing these futuristic design concepts, especially concerning sustainability and resource management?
- How can the tourism and architecture industries collaborate to ensure that extreme personalization through data enhances the overall travel experience while respecting cultural and environmental contexts?
3 DECEMBER 2023
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