On December 3rd 2025, Marinos Delimichalis, Group Operation Manager at Enorme Hotels & Villas, participated in the conference “Tourism in Greece in a Challenging Environment: Trends, Technology & Prospects”, organised by MBS College of Crete and the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, under the auspices of the Region of Crete.
At a time when rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting visitor expectations reshape the tourism landscape, the event brought together leaders from academia, institutions and the hospitality industry to explore the sector’s next day.
The event stood out for its warm and collaborative atmosphere, fostering genuine dialogue and an open exchange of ideas among professionals, academics and institutional representatives. Distinguished speakers from across the tourism ecosystem — including experienced hoteliers, industry experts, academics and policy leaders — offered valuable insights that reflected the multidimensional nature of the Greek tourism sector. The programme was structured around four targeted thematic pillars, addressing emerging travel trends, new guest behaviours, technology, governance and sustainability, providing a comprehensive view of both current challenges and future opportunities. Technology and innovation held a central place in the discussions, with speakers showcasing practical solutions that enhance the guest experience while strengthening operational efficiency and resilience. Finally, the event underscored sustainability as a strategic imperative rather than a passing trend, highlighting responsible tourism and environmentally conscious practices as core components of long-term competitiveness for the industry.
F&B Sustainability at Enorme Hotels & Villas: Key Points from the Talk by Marinos Delimichalis
During the event, Marinos Delimichalis, Group Operation Manager of Enorme Hotels & Villas, presented the company’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability within its F&B departments—an initiative that redefines both operational efficiency and guest experience.
Why the Traditional Buffet Model Was Re-evaluated
As Marinos noted, the classic buffet—although appreciated by guests—carries significant issues:
- Overproduction driven by the “visual abundance” requirement
- Food waste reaching 170–200g per guest per stay
- High costs in raw materials and labour
- Environmental impact related to organic waste
- Increased food safety risks due to prolonged exposure
Recognising these challenges was the first step toward rethinking the company’s operating model.
The “Visual Abundance Trap”
Hotels traditionally keep buffet counters full at all times, prioritising appearance over consumption data.
This leads to substantial waste and contradictions with modern sustainability goals—something Enorme set out to change.
The Hybrid Model: A New Approach to Quality & Sustainability
Enorme Hotels & Villas piloted a hybrid service model, combining à la carte service with a smaller, well-curated buffet section.
How it works
- Guests enjoy freshly prepared à la carte main dishes
- A compact buffet offers salads and starters
- Cooking shifts to an on-demand model, minimising overproduction
Benefits
- Precise portion control and reduced food waste
- Enhanced freshness and quality
- Lower operational and energy costs
- Reduced exposure of food, minimising contamination risks
- A more personalised and elevated guest experience
Pilot Results: A More Sustainable and Efficient Operation
The hybrid model demonstrated clear improvements:
- Significant reduction in food waste
- Streamlined kitchen operations
- Improved energy efficiency by limiting the use of heating and cooling equipment
- Positive guest feedback on quality and service
- Strengthened environmental footprint and brand reputation
Challenges & Organisational Adaptation
Marinos also addressed the internal transformation required:
- Re-designing spaces originally built for large buffets
- Investing in flexible equipment and live-cooking stations
- Training staff and adjusting operational culture
- Shifting to targeted, daily procurement instead of bulk ordering
- Enhancing communication with guests to ensure buy-in and understanding
This process, as he noted, is an investment in people, quality, and long-term sustainability.
Enorme Hotels & Villas’ participation in the MBS tourism forum highlighted the company’s proactive stance in addressing modern challenges in hospitality. Through data-driven decisions, operational innovation and a strong commitment to sustainable practices, Enorme is shaping a future where elevated guest experiences go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility.