George A. Barboutis
(MSc, M.B.A., C.A.G.S.B, D.E.S.S.)
Strategic Marketing/ Management expert with more than 30 years of academic and professional exposure in most crucial facets of Hospitality, Tourism & Cultural sectors.
Project Leader of the Revival of Colossus
Academic
He was born in Alexandria Egypt and moved to Athens at his early age.
In 1979 he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Piraeus and a degree of M.Sc. in Strategic Human Resources Management from ALBA (Athens Graduate Business School). In 1980, he went to New York U.S.A., with a scholarship of Bodossakis Foundation, where he received his M.B.A. in1982 from Wagner College and a Post Master’s C.A.G.S.B. from Pace University in International Marketing Management & Corporate Communications. In addition, he went to Paris, and studied at IMHI (Cornell University & ESSEC Business School), where he earned the degree of D.E.S.S. in International Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Professional
From 1986, was highly involved in the hospitality and tourism industry, being employed at the Cambourakis Group of Hotels holding the position of Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications of the (five star) Rodos Palace Resort Hotel & (4800 delegates) International Convention Center and the (four star)) Hotel Mediterranean and he currently serves as α member of their Board of Directors. During his professional career span has been providing consultancy and top executive support in strategic marketing and management projects in various private and nonprofit organizations.
The Revival of Colossus project
In the year 1999, he was among the pioneers of the “millennium project” plan for the creation of an emblematic monument inspired ideologically from the ancient wonder of the Colossus of Rhodes and dedicated to the universal values of world peace, friendship and collaboration amongst people and countries. He introduced an innovative cultural proposal, for the development of a world-class landmark intended to become an eternal offer of the island of Rhodes, a cultural contribution of Greece, as well as, a millennial tribute to humanity upon the advent of the new era.
This particular project proposal was submitted to the Municipal Council of Rhodes, obtaining a unanimous resolution. Since then, acting as a proxy of the Mayor of Rhodes (1999 -2011) and as a Project Leader/ member of the Scientific Tourism (Think Tank) Committee of the Chamber of Dodecanese, has advocated this mega project in international conferences/fora. Towards this end, he has also founded the visionary initiative of “The Revival of Colossus – A project with a vision of peace in the Mediterranean region” promoting the project’s universal values and its ideal steps for future implementation. (https://colossusproject.org/)
Voluntary Associations
He has served as the premier Director of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy Branch of Rhodes (2017-2018). He was the former Head of its Convention (MiCE) Promotion Committee of Rodos Hoteliers Association (2001- 2011), as well as, a member of the Scientific Tourism Think Tank Committee of the Chamber of Dodecanese. He was also one of the founding members and elected Vice President (2006-2009) of the Greek Chapter of SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Excellence). He is cofounding member and elected Vice President of the organization Rodiaki Leshi – 21st Century https://rodiakileshi.gr/, as well as, advisory member of the Board of the cultural organization Visualize Sense Nurture- Ancient Greek Culture- Business and Tourism Hub (www.vsnhub.com)
Speeches – Lectures
As a Guest Lecturer in the field of Marketing of Hospitality and Tourism has given speeches and lectures in Universities and Institutions such as the Economic Universities of Athens and Piraeus, SETE and TEDx, in issues related to Strategic Marketing Planning & Corporate Communications, (MICE) Meetings & Incentives Tourism, Destination’s Branding, Competitiveness Sustainability and Innovation.