Please give us a brief introduction to your career journey and your travel agency specialisation. What led you to start your own travel agency business?

Maria Theodosopoulou: My name is Maria Theodosiopoulou, and I am the founder of Seeking Wanderland, a boutique travel agency specializing in curating authentic, tailor-made travel experiences in Greece. My career journey began with a deep passion for culture, hospitality, and storytelling, which naturally evolved into a desire to showcase the richness of my country to travelers from around the world. Over the years, I gained valuable experience working in tourism and event planning, which helped me build a strong foundation in logistics, client service, and destination expertise. These experiences, coupled with my love for meaningful connections, inspired me to start my own travel agency. With Seeking Wanderland, my mission is to design journeys that go beyond sightseeing - experiences that bring people closer to Greece’s culture, gastronomy, history, and hidden gems. From private wine tastings in Santorini to immersive culinary walks in Athens, or exploring the untouched villages of Crete, each trip is a carefully crafted story reflecting the traveler’s interests and style. Ultimately, founding my own agency allowed me to combine my professional skills with my personal passion, offering travelers not just a trip, but a memorable journey into the heart of Greece.

What strategies or decisions have been essential to growing your business and making an impact on the travel industry?

Maria Theodosopoulou: One of the most essential strategies in growing Seeking Wanderland has been the ability to build genuine connections and strong networks within the travel industry. By actively participating in international tourism exhibitions and B2B events, I’ve been able to showcase Greece as a destination, form meaningful partnerships, and establish long-term collaborations with tour operators and agencies worldwide. These events not only expand visibility but also allow me to stay ahead of global travel trends. Another key factor has been embracing social media and digital storytelling as powerful tools to reach travelers directly. Sharing authentic experiences, behind-the-scenes stories, and curated itineraries has helped establish trust, inspire travelers, and highlight the unique cultural and gastronomic journeys we offer. Of course, nothing has been more valuable than word of mouth and personal recommendations. Delivering highly personalized service and unforgettable experiences has turned many of our guests into repeat travelers and brand ambassadors. This organic growth, fueled by client satisfaction, has been a cornerstone of our success. Finally, I believe in the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, whether it’s incorporating sustainability practices, tailoring travel to new market needs, or staying innovative with experiential tourism. Combining these strategies has allowed Seeking Wanderland not just to grow, but to make a meaningful impact by showcasing Greece in a way that is authentic, immersive, and memorable.

What are some effective PR strategies you use to build credibility, trust, and visibility in an increasingly competitive market? Can you share an example of a campaign or media tool that has made an impact on your business?

Maria Theodosopoulou: At Seeking Wanderland, we focus on building credibility and trust through a combination of strategic media presence, partnerships, and authentic storytelling. Key strategies include: Media Features & Press Releases: Collaborating with luxury travel magazines, online travel blogs, and tourism platforms to showcase our curated experiences helps position our agency as a reliable, high-end operator. Partnerships & Collaborations: Working with local artisans, wineries, boutique hotels, and international tour operators reinforces our reputation as a trusted connector in Greece’s travel ecosystem. Social Media & Digital Storytelling: Sharing visually compelling stories, guest testimonials, and behind-the-scenes experiences allows potential clients to engage directly with our brand, building trust and excitement. Networking & Industry Events: Attending international tourism fairs, workshops, and exhibitions strengthens our relationships, expands our visibility, and keeps us informed on global trends.

From your experience, what is a crucial aspect of the travel industry that is often overlooked or not fully understood, yet is essential for achieving success in this industry?

Maria Theodosopoulou: From my experience, one aspect of the travel industry that is often overlooked is that true luxury is not just about expensive 5-star hotels, private yachts, or lavish vacations. While those elements can be part of a high-end travel experience, what makes a journey truly memorable is authenticity and unique moments that immerse travelers in local life and culture. At Seeking Wanderland, we believe that experiences such as a picnic on a hidden beach, a visit to a laid-back off-the-beaten-path island, or sharing a coffee with local villagers can be as luxurious—if not more so—than traditional extravagance. These moments allow travelers to connect deeply with a place, taste its culture, and create memories that are pure, personal, and unforgettable. Luxury travel, in our approach, is therefore about personalization, authenticity, and meaningful encounters—things that few travelers truly experience, but which define the difference between an ordinary vacation and an extraordinary journey.

How do you balance running a travel agency business with the time and effort needed for social media promotion?

Maria Theodosopoulou: Running a travel agency requires careful time management to balance client service, trip planning, and general promotion. I approach this by treating social media as both a marketing tool and an extension of our service, rather than just an extra task. I prioritize content that directly showcases the experiences we offer, such as highlights from trips, cultural insights, gastronomy moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. This allows social media efforts to complement client work, as every post is tied to the brand and its curated offerings. Additionally, I use planning and scheduling tools to organize content in advance, which ensures consistency without taking time away from client-focused activities. Collaborating with a small team or freelancers for photography, design, and copywriting also helps maintain a strong online presence while allowing me to focus on the personalized service and planning that define our agency. Ultimately, balancing social media and business operations is about strategic integration, smart planning, and ensuring that every online effort reflects the quality and authenticity of the experiences we create.

What’s the biggest challenge you face as an independent travel agent, and what's your strategy to overcome it?

Maria Theodosopoulou: One of the biggest challenges as an independent travel agent is standing out in a highly competitive market, especially when travelers have countless online options for booking trips. As a boutique agency, we overcome this by focusing on personalization, authenticity, and unique experiences that larger platforms cannot offer. Our strategy revolves around building strong relationships with clients and partners, attending international tourism events and exhibitions, and leveraging word-of-mouth and social media storytelling to showcase the distinctive journeys we create. By emphasizing curated, immersive travel experiences—whether it’s a hidden island picnic, a private wine tasting, or a cultural encounter—we differentiate ourselves and ensure our clients receive memorable, one-of-a-kind trips that inspire loyalty and repeat business.

Which partnership—with a brand, travel service provider, platform, or influencer—has had the biggest impact on your travel agency business so far?

Maria Theodosopoulou: All of our partnerships have had a significant impact on Seeking Wanderland. We take great care to curate our partners meticulously, ensuring they meet our high standards. Each hotel, service provider, or local collaborator is carefully inspected and personally met to guarantee quality, authenticity, and a seamless experience for our clients. This approach ensures that every partnership contributes meaningfully to our business and helps us consistently deliver exceptional, trustworthy travel experiences.

Which dream publication would you like to be featured in, and what would the headline be?

Maria Theodosopoulou: My dream publication to be featured in would be Condé Nast Traveler, given its global reach and focus on luxury and experiential travel. A fitting headline could be: “Seeking Wanderland: Curating Authentic Luxury Journeys Through the Heart of Greece” This would capture our mission of offering personalized, immersive travel experiences that go beyond traditional luxury, highlighting unique cultural encounters, gastronomy, and hidden gems that create unforgettable memories.

Thank you!

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