GHRA Fair Work Symposium, Athens

February 2025

The GHRA has successfully organised the “Fair Work in the Greek Tourism & Hospitality Industry” symposium on Thursday, 13th February, at the University of Piraeus, in Greece, in collaboration between University of Strathclyde, Bournemouth University and University of Piraeus.

This event aimed to initiate a dialogue and explore key challenges related to working conditions in Greece's hospitality and tourism sector.

It also served as a platform to launch the 2025 Working Conditions Survey in Greek Hospitality Industry, part of a global initiative led  by GHRA members.

The symposium featured four insightful keynote presentations and a dynamic panel discussion with distinguished industry experts. Dr. Anastasios Hadjisolomou (University  of Strathclyde) shared findings from a recent study on Fair Work in the Hospitality Sector, drawing comparisons between working conditions in Scotland and Greece. Dr. Charalampos (Babis) Giousmpasoglou (Bournemouth University) highlighted employee wellbeing and mental health challenges in the workplace—a relatively under-researched area in both academic and industry contexts. Dr. Evangelia (Lia) Marinakou (Bournemouth University) discussed effective talent recruitment and retention strategies. Dr. Alexandra-Paraskevi Chytiri (University of Piraeus) and Dr. Dimitris Koutoulas (University of Patras) presented findings from their recent study on the career paths of hotel general managers (GMs) within the Greek hospitality industry.

Following the keynote presentations, a high-profile industry panel engaged in a robust discussion on the themes presented. The panel included:

• Mr. Panagiotis (Panos) Almyrantis, Chief Growth & Commercial Officer Ella Resorts & President European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA)
• Mrs. Elena Gkika-Petroulaki, People & Culture Director at Costa Navarino
• Mr. Panos Sotiropoulos, Group Human Resources Director at Mitsis Group
• Mr. Christos Koutsopoulos, General Manager at Athenaeum Hotels Group

The panelists explored the pressing challenges related to fair work in the Greek hospitality and tourism sectors, offering valuable insights and perspectives.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Alexandra-Paraskevi Chytiri underscored the critical need for ongoing dialogue between industry and academia. She emphasised the importance of fostering synergies to address substandard working conditions and to cultivate fair work environments within the Greek hospitality and tourism industry.

The GHRA extends its gratitude to all speakers, panelists, and attendees for contributing to the success of this important event and looks forward to continued collaboration in improving working conditions across the sector.