Thomas Cook: World premiere of Casa Cook Hotels in Rhodes, Greece on May 1, 2016

In an exclusive interview to Tornos News (www.tornosnews.com) Mr. Masala described Casa Cook's launching as "the hottest hotel opening in the Mediterranean" and disclosed that most Greek destinations are already performing satisfactorily during 2016.

"I am not worried about Greece this year," he stressed adding "most Greek destinations are already doing well and those that still lag behind will catch up during April and May. This year, Catholic Easter was too early for many Europeans to come to Greece because the weather was not warm enough yet. So bookings and traffic reasonably fell a little behind but are expected to catch up in the following weeks.  Overall, this year will prove to be a good tourism season for Greece."

Regarding the global prospects for the tourism industry this year, he admitted that "it is not a secret that the whole industry is operating in a pretty challenging environment" but reassured that "there are some markets that are doing well already and there are others that will catch up later as late bookings will be strong this year."

Thomas Cook's chief marketing officer Remo Masala 

One of the most beautiful countries in the world

Especially about Greece, he pointed out that "it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, as far as I am concerned, and it also has a very special energy. It is the second strongest market in the Mediterranean for Thomas Cook after Spain. This year Greece is developing on a general level quite normally and there are also some specific destinations that will catch up with late bookings. Even the refugee crisis could end up having a positive effect eventually, since publicity usually works like this, in this business, and the Greek spirit of philoxenia (hospitality) towards these poor souls is appreciated by travellers all around the world. Overall, I think that the Greeks are handling this crisis very well."

Mr Masala admitted that other markets such as Turkey and Egypt will suffer losses this year because "even though some tourists still fly to these places and are not afraid to stay on the beach, many have switched destinations and moved westward. Spain and Portugal were the first to profit but when Majorca capacity is filled up, for example, demand will shift to other places like Greece." 

Elaborating on the Casa Cook concept, he explained that "this new hotel concept is important for Greece because it caters to the new needs of a specific target group living in urban centers. It embodies many special features but, in essence, we can say that it brings an urban flair and bohemian spirit to the beach. Food, for instance, is called Soul Food because it signifies a way of sharing with friends while you eat, something which is not new to Greeks, we have even copied that from the Greeks maybe." 

Unfolding his strategy as Thomas Cook's chief marketing officer he concluded:

"I am responsible for customer experience in all of the Thomas Cook brands as well as innovation and, of course, marketing. Casa Cook is a product, a logical consequence, if you like, of all our latest hotel developments and target group research."

The Casa Cook concept

Thomas Cook outlined the Casa Cook concept as follows:

It’s time for innovation: an original boutique hotel concept by Thomas Cook brings an urban flair and bohemian spirit to the beach, tailored for those in search of a stylish home away from home.

Opening in May 2016, the 90-room Casa Cook Rhodes in Greece will be the first of the new Casa Cook lifestyle resorts to launch. The affordable adult-only hotel offers inspiring and eclectic design throughout, swim-up pools for every room, laid-back lounge spaces, as well as bikes, a gym and open-air yoga.

With a focus on experience and atmosphere, the bar, restaurant, main pool and lounge areas form the hotel’s vibrant hub. The kitchen offers day-to-night delights, from smoothies on-the-go to fresh Mediterranean plates for sharing at communal tables.

The relaxing holiday rhythm is easy to come by in a poolside hammock or sunbed and guests can enjoy DJ sets, film nights or sunset drinks during the evening. Sandals, beachwear, home accessories, hammocks and cosmetics are all available at the concept store so travellers can take home a bit of the boho dream. 

Breezy beach style with an urban edge

Casa Cook Rhodes is an ensemble of sleek white buildings framed by lush vegetation, wooden decks and pools. To create the feeling of staying with friends, vintage furniture, handcrafted pieces and unique curios infuse the interiors with a characterful bohemian flair. Textured surfaces like wood and canvas, are matched with playful prints and patterns. Tropical designs add a burst of colour and the decor shows off craftsmanship from near and far.

The design language is carried through to the rooms, which are divided among several buildings, each flanked by its own shared pool. All of the five room categories feature swim-up pool access from a private terrace. Inside, rooms are equipped with high-end mattresses, air-conditioning, a mini-bar and free WiFi. Some also feature indoor Jacuzzis – including the two bungalow suites with private pools.

The creators of Casa Cook

Casa Cook Rhodes was developed by Thomas Cook Group plc in collaboration with a team of consultants from the premium lifestyle segment. Michael Schickinger of Lambs & Lions spearheads the conceptual development in close collaboration with interior designer Annabell Kutucu and architect Vana Pernari.

“We’re excited to introduce a uniquely different brand into the mix – not only within our own Group, but in the hospitality market overall”, as Mr Masala said.

The second property of the Casa Cook brand is expected to open in Mallorca, Spain, while further hotels are planned for the summer season of 2017, with more details to be announced soon. Each resort will be individual and unique, yet exhibiting a consistent design language.

Casa Cook is the sixth brand within Thomas Cook’s hotel portfolio, each with a unique guest experience catering to different customer segments.

The new concept has been created in line with the company strategy for profitable growth and differentiation, complimenting the existing five hotel brands — SENTIDO, SunConnect, Sunwing, Sunprime and smartline.

Location, reservations ans rates

Kolymbia is located on the Eastern coast of Rhodes, approximately 30km from the airport. Kolymbia Beach is within walking distance, approximately 700m away. Tsambika Beach — one of the island’s most beautiful — is a 6km drive. 

The hotel is adult-only and room rates, including breakfast, start at EUR 100 per night (approx. £78.50).

Casa Cook Rhodes is bookable online at www.casacook.com or www.thomascook.com, as well as by phone: +44 0844 412 5970 and through Thomas Cook and Co-operative Travel Stores.

Thomas Cook offers packages with prices in May, starting from £481 per person. The price is based on two adults sharing, with breakfast and flights from London Gatwick included. Optional extras may be applicable at the time of booking and prices are subject to availability.

The firm currently operates 49 hotels through franchise in Greece, from the 189 it manages worldwide.

About Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook Group plc is one of the world’s leading leisure travel groups with sales of £7.8 billion and more than 20 million customers in the year ended 30 September 2015. Thomas Cook is supported by 21,813 employees and operates from 15 source markets; it is number one or two (by revenue) in all its core markets. Thomas Cook Group plc’s shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange (TCG). Thomas Cook is the world’s best-known name in travel, thanks to the inspiration and dedication of a single man. May 1 is Thomas Cook’s 175th anniversary of operation as the first tourism agency in the industry, which launched in 1841.

Under the umbrella Hotels & Resorts, Thomas Cook offers six hotel brands - each with a very distinct character and each one catering to our guests' individual needs and desires. Thomas Cook´s most recent hotel brand is Casa Cook, an original boutique hotel concept that brings an urban flair and bohemian spirit to the beach. 

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report