Villa DEA Ohrid

Dr. Diel Agoli

Dr. Diel Agoli, the owner, started his career in tourism in 1980. After working successfully for Yugoturs, the largest tour operator in Jugoslavija then, he decided to continue the family tradition of being a doctor. He graduated from the Medical University of Belgrade and had a successful career as a surgeon. But he never lost interest in tourism. In 2005, he started his own travel agency, Dea Tours.

With the launch of Villa Dea, his tourism business expanded.  

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:

Villa Dea has made it a policy to ensure minimum or no negative impact to the environment. The hotel has a special program for this.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

In order to preserve the natural environs of Ohrid region, Villa Dea and Dea Tours Agency has published numerous booklets, with a special accent of ethno and eco tourism. Dea Tours has also published a book about Ohrid.

Villa Dea uses -

• solar panels for heating the water and warming the rooms in winter
• low flow showerheads in the bathrooms
• non-toxic, phosphate-free detergents in the laundry
• towels being changed on request only
• water glasses instead of paper cups (with no paper covers)
• live potted plants being placed in the balconies, in order to keep the air healthier
• dimmers for corridor lights.

The management supports local icon painters through organizing icon painting workshops for visitors. This ensures that visitors take back knowledge about an ancient tradition of Ohrid and it helps the local people.

In cooperation with the National Park Galicica, Dea Tours organises day tours to the National Park for both local people and visitors to the area, especially to introduce the endemic plant species. Through this activity, the management brings to the fore the need to protect the species too.

Another aspect of involvement is promoting local craftsmen. This idea has been realized by forming the Dea Tours Club. Every guest has an opportunity to buy a coupon, which brings him/her an assured 10% discount for every item bought at outlets participating in the program. The same system has been introduced for restaurants too.

Through his involvement in "Lions club international", the owner Dr. Diell Agoli is making all efforts to help the less fortunate or handicapped children.