It’s the People That Make the Difference

Exclusive Interview with Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Dimitris Manikis, the President of EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry with a passion for growth, team development, and the democratization of travel. With over two decades of experience, Dimitris has built a reputation for successfully navigating diverse markets and cultivating a global network of talent. Under his leadership, Wyndham continues to expand its footprint across the EMEA region, embracing both luxury and accessible travel solutions. In this exclusive interview, Dimitris shares insights from his journey, highlights the power of people in the hospitality sector, and discusses Wyndham’s commitment to providing travel opportunities for all. He also offers a glimpse into the company’s culture, the importance of employee satisfaction, and how Wyndham is poised for continued success in the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

How was your experience at the Future Hospitality Summit?

It was incredible. According to the organizers, it was the biggest show ever. The atmosphere was vibrant, with great colleagues and an abundance of positive energy surrounding the development in the region—and not just the region, but the hospitality industry as a whole. Events like this left everyone feeling inspired and enthusiastic about the future of our industry.

Wyndham has a presence all over the globe. What sets it apart in the EMEA region that you handle?

I would say it’s the people. Everyone in the hospitality industry will tell you that while many brands have growth plans and perform well in their respective markets, it’s the people that make the real difference. I’m fortunate to work with an amazing and diverse team. Within Wyndham Corporate, we have more than 15 to 18 nationalities represented across EMEA. It’s inspiring to see this blend of cultures coming together to deliver exceptional hospitality. It’s not just about what sets Wyndham apart; it’s about what makes the hospitality industry so special. This year, 1.5 billion people are expected to travel, and we are the “industry of happiness.” No matter the reason for travel, there’s always someone who genuinely cares about providing the right service and making people feel at home. That’s what excites me every day—the people.

If you want your customers to be happy, it’s important to make your employees happy. What is Wyndham doing to achieve that?

Wyndham is globally recognized as one of the best places to work. As Jeff Bezos once said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” In every survey we’ve conducted, our team members have consistently shared that Wyndham is a wonderful place to work. At the heart of our culture is our “Count on Me” philosophy. It’s about being able to rely on one another, regardless of hierarchy, location, or title. This sense of teamwork and mutual support is something that’s deeply ingrained in Wyndham’s culture worldwide. I’m incredibly proud to lead such a diverse and committed team.

Wyndham caters to all kinds of customers—from luxury to those seeking a small staycation. Is this something that makes Wyndham unique?

It doesn’t necessarily make us unique because many other brands also cater to a wide range of travelers. However, what sets Wyndham apart is our core philosophy: we make travel possible for all. We believe in the democratization of travel. Travel is one of life’s most beautiful experiences, and we’re committed to providing opportunities for millions of people to stay with us. Whether it’s a Wyndham Super 8 in the economy segment or a Wyndham Grand in the luxury segment, we have a brand for every type of traveler. While others may offer similar models, our mission to make travel accessible to everyone is what drives us every day.

As a visionary leader with extensive hospitality experience, what advice would you like to share?

It may sound simple, but I believe in hard work. I enjoy reading biographies of great individuals who’ve achieved significant milestones in their lives, and the one common denominator among them is hard work. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Stay true to your values and keep your personal compass with you at all times—not just a moral compass, but one that reflects who you are as a human being. What do you stand for? What values were you raised with? These should guide you every day. If you stay true to your principles, control what you can, and put in consistent effort, success will follow. Work hard, stay grounded, and success will come in its own time.