Interview with Everymatic in Neos Kosmos

Tell us about your brand and a bit about the people behind Everymatic. I’m aware you both come from the music industry. Where did your passion for this job originate? What led you down this path?
We had both travelled extensively for our work but we found we both had Greece in our hearts more than any other place in the world. Even a born and bred Glaswegian like Stephen! We also felt that a big part of the skill set you develop in the music industry was transferable to the kind of business we hope Everymatic is; a company that treats all clients as friends and creates unique experiences without the 5* budget that is usually associated with such services.

Why did you choose the term “Everymatic”?
We can’t take credit for that, it was my brother’s idea. It stems from the Greek word ‘ευρηματικος’ as we aim to deal with every issue that comes up in a resourceful and creative way.
What makes Everymatic different as a bespoke travel holiday? What exactly do you offer? What more can a client expect?
The client can expect a service 100% tailor made to their needs. We listen to who is travelling (a group of friends, a couple, a family), what they enjoy doing whether at home or on holiday, their preferred budget, if it’s a special event like a homecoming, birthday etc. What makes us special is our local knowledge, our extensive contacts’ book and our background which means that we happily veer off the beaten track to provide a one of a kind experience.

Do you ‘experience’ everything beforehand yourselves?
Between the two company directors and our various colleagues, we don’t recommend anything without one of us having seen it first hand. It’s important to us that we treat our clients like family so we want the people we work with (hotels, restaurants etc) to have the same ethos we do.

Which of the experiences you offer is your favourite and why?
We definitely have places in Greece that we have a soft spot for, mainly because of the people. Crete would be the prime example of that. We are discovering new places all the time though, especially on the mainland as we want to show all parts of the country, not just the postcard white-washed island type. Not that there is anything wrong with that!

Is your target market financially upscale clients/ middle class? Do you think the cost is discouraging for the majority of the working class?
No, not at all. We cater for all types of holidays and budgets, from ultimate 5* to spartan and remote. We listen to our potential clients and their available budget is one of our first questions so we can offer them something they can afford.

Are the majority of people accessing your service Greek locals or from abroad?
The majority are definitely from abroad, although they all seem to share a real love for Greece. It’s been harder for locals recently due to the ongoing economic crisis.

What sets Greece apart as a holiday destination?
It’s a cliché but it’s the people that make Greece. Despite what’s been going on here in recent years, people are still warm, supportive of each other and are finding a new creative streak in them that we hope will be the little spark the leads the younger generations out of the crisis. After all our years in the music business in the UK, we have to say that we have never come across the creative talent we have seen here. From photographers, to graphic designers to jewellery makers and everything in between.

Given that the summer season is fast approaching (and not counting your current packages), where’s a good holiday destination beyond the usual hotspots in Greece?
There is so much to choose from and we don’t want to give too much away!! For a quick escape from Athens, islands like Kea and Hydra are a great choice. The South Eastern part of Crete is real gem too. Just getting in a car and exploring is our real advice, whether it’s Northern Greece or the Peloponnese. You can be on the beach one minute and in the middle of wonderful ancient ruins the next.
Although we are all aware of certain parts of Greece being in the limelight, your photos depict another side of Greece, places most likely unknown to the masses…why have you chosen to highlight this side of Greece?
It’s simple really. It’s the Greece that we love and the one we want to support. The places where you’re not treated as a number but a friend. Places where the accommodation is great but not extortionate, where the food is great and where you can actually find a beach with nothing but the waves for company.

You’ve only been around for a year. How has the landscape of the bespoke travel industry changed during that time in Greece in the midst of a Grexit and the crisis?
We’ve found that businesses like ours or those opened by similarly minded entrepreneurs (offering bespoke walking tours, funky pads in Athens city centre to name but a few) are flourishing in the crisis. Visitors are voting with their feet, they’re not forgetting Greece and if anything are coming in the millions and looking for different propositions, not just the mass tourism options of years gone by.

Describe your own personal travel style.
We’re hotel freaks. We love them so when we travel ourselves, we spend a lot of time researching them. Food definitely plays a big part in our holidays. Whether it’s a small Greek island or NYC, finding out the best places to eat is big on our agenda!

And now Athens. Most Greek Australians and Australians spend very little time in Athens – it’s mostly some kind of springboard for island hopping. Is there anything they might be missing?
Athens is a great city. Full of history, ancient and modern, with great restaurants and bars and above all, amazing people. People who are weathering the crisis and opening interesting businesses making clothes, leather goods, promoting artisan products from all over the country etc. A lot of visitors also forget the amazing coastline just outside Athens. The temple at Sounio is one of our favourite places in the world.