Athanasios Grigoriou, founder and Joanna Konsolidou, project manager of the emblematic Azimouthio Yachting Info, shared their insights to us about their commitment to excellence in advertising services and how this brings a completely new perception to the yachting industry
NP: What were your key ideas and visions in founding AZIMOUTHIO Yachting Info?
Our vision was to create a Premium & Luxurious Tool for yacht owners and captains, something that was missing from the market, to keep them informed about the optimal operation of their vessels.
AZIMOUTHIO aimed to fill this gap, providing essential information and resources to ensure the best performance and maintenance of yachts. This has helped us become a trusted partner in the yachting community.
NP: How did your experience in the communication industry contribute to the development of the AZIMOUTHIO platform?
Through our unique and specialized distribution of the directory, we connected markets from different countries and created a very strong network. AZIMOUTHIO has brought together diverse yachting communities, fostering international relationships and collaborations. This strategic approach has allowed us to establish a reputable presence and become an essential resource in the global yachting industry.
NP: What specific strategies and resources did you invest in the growth of AZIMOUTHIO Yachting Info?
At AZIMOUTHIO, we don’t operate solely on strategy; we balance heart and mind perfectly. When you love what you do, you naturally take the right steps for its growth. Our journey has been driven by vision, patience, persistence, and hard work, often putting our personal lives aside. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve enjoyed every moment despite the challenges.
NP: Can you tell us a bit about the history of AZIMOUTHIO? What motivated the creation of this directory?
AZIMOUTHIO was founded 11 years ago, during a time when Greece was entering an economic crisis, and businesses were closing one after another. During this period, we identified the lack of a Premium & Luxury Yachting Directory not only in Greece but throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. So, we said, “let’s do it”.
While everything around us was collapsing, we created a unique product that evolved and strengthened year by year. In a short time, we expanded beyond Greece, initially to the Middle East and then to the European Rivieras.
Believe us, it wasn’t easy, but we managed to establish AZIMOUTHIO in all organized marinas and became Media Sponsors at the most important Yacht Shows and Events. Our dedication and perseverance have made AZIMOUTHIO a recognized and respected name in the yachting industry.
NP: AZIMOUTHIO Yachting Info is referred to as the Premium “Captain’s Bible.” Can you elaborate on how you’ve achieved such a strong reputation within the marine industry?
It’s a sweet melody to our ears during the events we participate in and our yacht-to-yacht distributions to hear captains refer to AZIMOUTHIO as their “Bible.” And do you know why? With all the useful and up-to-date information we provide, we make their lives easier and safer. The place of AZIMOUTHIO is always on the bridge of the yacht, right next to the captain!
NP: How do you perceive the role of AZIMOUTHIO Yachting Info in an era dominated by digital technology and advertising?
We strongly believe that traditionally, maritime professionals are accustomed to using printed materials, such as maps and manuals. This is evident during our distributions, as we receive a warm welcome and positive feedback from yacht crews. However, we are fully aware that we live in a technological era. This is precisely why we created the most visited yachting directory search engine and the most advanced mobile app.
Our print edition with 35.000 copies on the hands of the Decision Makers in the yachting industry is cherished for its valuable and updated information. At the same time, our digital platforms ensure that users can access essential information quickly and efficiently. We have successfully bridged the gap between traditional printed resources and cutting-edge digital tools, providing comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of the yachting community.
NP: What innovations and unique features has AZIMOUTHIO implemented to stay ahead in the yachting industry and provide added value to its users?
At AZIMOUTHIO, we’ve consistently innovated to lead the yachting industry and provide unparalleled value to our users. Here are some key innovations:
• We created the strongest brand identity in the yachting industry by naming our directory. It’s not just a yachting directory; it’s AZIMOUTHIO.
• We established the luxurious Cover with Royal Blue color and the Golden AZIMOUTHIO logo, making it instantly recognizable.
• It’s the only yachting directory that, due to its luxurious edition, doubles as a coffee table book on the most luxurious mega yachts.
• We created luxurious Gold-plated Stands and placed them in marina offices, ensuring anyone who missed the AZIMOUTHIO onboard can get it when visiting the office.
• We are the first print yachting directory (35.000 copies) to create a mobile app. Moreover, it’s the only app where users can find what they need with just two clicks.
• We launched the world’s first web yachting radio, allowing extraordinary yachting enthusiasts to enjoy extraordinary music without interruption.
NP: The directory spans print, website, app, and web radio. What are the advantages of this multi-platform approach for reaching your target audience?
The multi-platform approach of AZIMOUTHIO, encompassing print, website, app, and web radio, offers significant advantages for reaching our target audience.
Firstly, our print directory caters to the traditional preferences of maritime professionals, providing a tangible and reliable resource.
The website extends our reach globally with 2.600.000 unique visitors per year, allowing users to access comprehensive information at their convenience.
Our advanced mobile app ensures that critical details are just a tap away, enhancing accessibility and usability, especially for those on the move.
Lastly, our web radio adds a unique dimension by engaging users with extraordinary music tailored for yachting enthusiasts.
NP: Given the vast amount of data you collect, how do you ensure its accuracy and maintain data security?
Ensuring the accuracy and maintaining the security of the vast amount of data we collect is paramount to AZIMOUTHIO. We employ rigorous processes and protocols for data verification, sourcing information from reputable sources and verifying details through multiple channels. Regular updates and quality checks are conducted to ensure that our data remains current and reliable.
In terms of security, we adhere to strict data protection practices, including encryption, secure storage systems, and access controls. Compliance with relevant data privacy laws and regulations further enhances our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. Our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy and secure data, fostering confidence and reliability in AZIMOUTHIO as a leading yachting information provider.
NP: What do you consider to be your advantages over the competition?
We consider our advantages over the competition to be multifaceted. Firstly, our comprehensive multi-platform approach – spanning print, website, app, and web radio – ensures broad accessibility and engagement across diverse user preferences. Secondly, our focus on premium quality and unique distribution channels, including placement on luxury yachts and participation in major Yacht Shows & Events, distinguishes us as a trusted and prestigious resource in the yachting industry.
Thirdly, our continuous innovation, such as pioneering the first web yachting radio globally and developing advanced mobile app functionalities, sets us apart by providing unparalleled user experiences. Moreover, our long-standing and robust relationships with clients globally are evident in AZIMOUTHIO having one of the highest advertisement renewal rates worldwide.
NP: What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you see for AZIMOUTHIO in the future?
Looking ahead, AZIMOUTHIO faces both challenges and opportunities in the dynamic yachting industry. One significant challenge is staying ahead of technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences, ensuring our platforms remain cutting-edge and relevant. Economic fluctuations and global market shifts also pose challenges, influencing advertising budgets and market demand.
However, these challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. Expanding our global footprint, particularly in emerging yachting markets, and enhancing our digital presence through advanced technologies and user-friendly interfaces are key opportunities. Strengthening strategic partnerships with yacht shows, marinas, and industry influencers can further solidify our market position. Additionally, leveraging data analytics to personalize user experiences and enhance advertising ROI represents a significant opportunity.
By navigating these challenges thoughtfully and seizing opportunities proactively, AZIMOUTHIO is poised to maintain leadership in the yachting information sector and drive sustainable growth in the years ahead.
