I met Vrettos during the five-day outdoor activities, which took place in Kythera between June 10 and 15. He is the founder of Outdoor Activities in Greece, which has been in existence for 3 years and plays a decisive role in the further expansion of the experiential tourism, which, as he himself says, «is the future.».
In an interview with Kythera.News, Vrettos talks about everything. He discusses his childhood and the initial spark that led him to pursue this field, the realization of his vision, the growth of Outdoor Activities Greece, and the future of adrenaline tourism in Kythera and around the world.
Simple, approachable, and direct in the messages he conveys, Vrettos presents the full range of activities he engages in and which he enriches year after year. It explains why the traditional tourism model is now outdated and emphasizes the role of the Internet and technology in general in the growth of alternative tourism.
«When we first started out, people thought we were the village eccentrics,» he tells us with a smile. «Now, the term ‘interactive tourism’ is officially recognized by the World Tourism Organization.» Of course, everything is done step by step, since society «needs education» about this alternative way of experiencing tourism. But as people become more familiar with it, they learn to let themselves go in the moment. «You become a child yourself,» Vrettos confides, with an innocence in his gaze that evokes childhood. «And then, you learn to handle the situation, and if you just listen where you need to listen, in the end you have a wonderful time.» He makes it clear, in fact, that—contrary to what many people think—, Interactive tourism does not pose any safety risks to those who participate. «Everything is tailored to each individual; there’s no such thing as »extreme’ in what we do.” He added that, at the end of the day, what this kind of gathering leaves you with is relationships that endure over time.
«With the people who come to our events, we develop a shared language, which has become second nature by the time they return. That’s why they keep coming back to us. Because now we speak the same language,’ he explains. »And at the end of the day, what remains of what we do?«; A deep breath and a big hug», he emphasizes, and his face lights up. Just as the faces of people who appreciate the essence of proper breathing and the value of a sincere embrace light up.
He covers a wide range of topics in the following interview with Vrettos. He tells us about his international contacts and the expansion of his business outside Greece. He explains why he considers Kythira a prime location for experiential tourism and shares with us his vision for the island’s future. He refers to the coronavirus and how it has influenced the industry; he reveals a personal dream of his and emphasizes the value of humanity’s return to nature.
