VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1. What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?

Being based in Heraklion, Crete—where tourism plays such a big role in the local economy—it felt natural to get involved. I started by managing my own vacation rental apartments, which gradually led to managing properties for others as well. As the business grew, I found myself facing the same daily challenges—repetitive tasks, scattered communication, and the struggle to stay on top of everything from payments to guest services. We were getting calls for experience recommendations, transfer bookings, things that broke. Everything was happening real-time and we were handling things in a static old- fashioned way. 

As we were growing the pressure kept growing with us. We needed a better way to handle things- we needed to get organized in order to scale. That’s when the idea for Tourmie was born. We were not finding the right tool for the job, so we decided to create it. Tourmie was going to be a tool that not only helps improve the guest experience but also makes life easier for property managers by organizing data, streamlining communication, managing payments, and even helping with the selling of extra services. What started as a personal need has grown into a platform that brings real efficiency and simplicity to vacation rental management.

2. What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

At Tourmie, we focus on what really matters to property managers and vacation rental hosts. Here’s what makes us different:

• Real Experience – We lived the problem before we built the solution. Tourmie was born out of our own journey from hosts to property managers, so we truly understand the daily pain points and challenges of the industry.
• All-in-One – One platform that covers both guest experience and operations. From messaging and payments to check-in instructions and service recommendations, everything is organized in one simple dashboard.
• Local Connections – We help properties go beyond just providing a place to stay. Tourmie connects guests with curated local services and experiences—turning every stay into a more meaningful, authentic journey. Through our growing partner network, hosts can easily offer extra services without the hassle of managing external bookings or vendors.
• Revenue Growth – Built-in tools to help you sell services and boost revenue. Properties can generate additional income through service commissions and increase the average value per booking—without adding extra work.
• Customer-Centric – We listen to our customers—because we’ve been in their shoes. Every feature we add is based on real feedback and real needs.
• Trusted Support – Award-winning support that actually supports you. We were recently recognized by Software Advice for Best Customer Support, and we’re proud to offer personal, responsive help when it’s needed most.

Whether you’re managing one property or one hundred, Tourmie helps you simplify your operations, elevate your guest experience, and scale with confidence

3. If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? And looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?

Although we didn’t attend the 2024 edition in Porto, we’ve followed the event closely and were really drawn to its unique format—especially the use of roundtables that bring hosts and sponsors together in more open, honest conversations.

What stands out to us is how this structure creates real opportunities to listen, learn, and exchange experiences. That’s something we truly value at Tourmie—building relationships based on shared challenges, not just business cards.

Looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, we’re excited to be part of these conversations. We’re hoping to connect with hosts and property managers face-to-face, hear about their real needs, and share how Tourmie can help solve everyday problems, through collaboration and dialogue.

4. Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?

Climbing Mount Psiloritis in Crete in 2023 was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve had. It was a tough ascent—snowy, icy, physically demanding—but the view from the top made every step worth it. You could see all of Crete laid out beneath you.

It reminded me how important it is for each of us—especially in hospitality and business tourism—to define and pursue our own “summits.” Whether it’s a professional goal or a personal milestone, it takes patience, persistence, and effort to reach the top. But when you do, the perspective you gain is something you carry with you forever.

5. What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?

I genuinely love listening to stories—especially from fellow hosts and professionals in the industry. Whether it’s a funny guest moment, how someone got started, or the challenges they’ve faced along the way, I find there’s always something to learn (and laugh about).

So if you’ve got a good story—personal or business—I’d love to hear it. Don’t hesitate to come say hi!