Greece at the Center of British Tourists’ Interest

The strong interest of the British public in Greece was reflected in the impressive participation of top travel agents and tour operators at the “Greek Tourism Workshop,” which took place in Manchester on Monday, April 28.

The event aimed to cover the market of Central and Northern Great Britain — regions with significant potential for strengthening the tourism flow toward our country.

The British market, a traditionally strong ally of Greek tourism, is emerging as a leading driver of growth for the Greek tourism industry. The year 2025 is expected to be highly promising, with an impressive increase in bookings from the United Kingdom, further boosting optimism for the upcoming tourism season.

It is noted that the “Greek Tourism Workshop” in Manchester was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Embassy of Greece in London, and the Consulate General of Greece in Manchester.

Honoring the event with their presence and addressing greetings were the Consul General of Greece in Manchester, Mr. Alexandros Ioannidis, and the Head of the GNTO (Greek National Tourism Organization) UK & Ireland Office, Mrs. Eleni Skarveli, while the Deputy Head of the GNTO UK & Ireland Office, Mrs. Angela Tzifa, also attended.

The first part of the event included one-on-one business (B2B) meetings between Greek destinations and tourism enterprises and participating British travel agents and tour operators. This was followed by presentations of Greek destinations and companies, further enhancing their promotion.

Specifically, presentations were made by:
The honored Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, represented by the Head of Tourism Promotion, Mr. Georgios Panagopoulos, The Development Organization of the Region of Attica  New Metropolitan Attica S.A., presented by Marketing Manager, Mr. Konstantinos Zervas, The Region of Central Macedonia, represented by Mrs. Elisavet Siaridou from the Tourism Promotion and Marketing Department, Directorate of Tourism, The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, represented by the Head of Business Support, Mrs. Lena Stefanoudaki, and
The Region of Crete, represented by the Deputy Regional Governor responsible for Tourism Affairs, Mr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou.

Greece Establishes Itself as a Premier Luxury Destination for Bahraini Travelers

With a remarkable level of attendance, the “Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop in Bahrain” was successfully concluded on April 9, 2025, in Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This flagship event by Tourism Media & Events focuses on the promotion and showcasing of Greece’s luxury tourism and gastronomy offerings.

Hundreds of meetings took place between Arab agents and Greek participants, confirming the strong interest of the former in Greece as a year-round destination for luxury tourism and high-end gastronomy.

It is worth noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain is gaining increasing importance for the Greek tourism market, serving as a strategic contact point for the promotion of Greek luxury tourism and for attracting high-income travelers.

The event, hosted at the luxurious Solymar Hotel, was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Bahrain. The event’s main sponsor was the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

 

 

The “Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop” was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Ioannis Plotas, who addressed the audience, highlighting among other things the strong momentum in the relationship between Greece and Bahrain, as well as the promising opportunities unfolding between the two countries. Also in attendance was the Honorary Consul of Greece in Bahrain, Ms. Aliki Chatzara-Valores.

 

 

Sponsors of the event included the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Crete, the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, and the Chania Chamber of Commerce.

Gulf Air was a strategic partner of the event, while communication sponsor was tourismtoday.gr.

In the first part of the event, and with the goal of fostering collaborations, one-on-one business (B2B) meetings were held between representatives of Greek destinations and businesses active in the tourism and agri-food sectors with travel agents, tour operators, as well as traders and importers from Bahrain.

Following the business meetings, there were presentations by Ms. Olga Daniilidou, Head of the Tourism Office of the Regional Unit of Serres, representing the Region of Central Macedonia; Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Head of Business Support at the Heraklion Chamber of Commercend and Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of the Region of Crete.

Journalists and travel agents visit pieria, inspired by the “Blooming Cherry Trees”

Journalists and travel agents visit pieria, inspired by the "Blooming Cherry Trees"

Pieria is strengthening its presence as a tourist destination as it opens the curtain on the new season.

The region is presenting a fresh face, aiming to expand the visitor experience by blending gastronomy with accommodation and further enhancing its tourism profile.

Prompted by the “Blooming Cherry Trees of Pieria,” journalists from leading Greek media (newspapers, TV channels) and senior executives from major Athenian travel agencies—always looking for new destinations for their clients—discovered the renewed appeal of Pieria. This experience is expected to become a benchmark in elevating the area as a destination, showcasing Pieria to both Greek and international audiences.

The familiarization trip for journalists and travel agents was organized by the Tourism Office of the Regional Unit of Pieria, in collaboration with the Pieria Tourism Development and Promotion Organization (POTAP), as part of the “Blooming Cherry Trees of Pieria” initiative. This two-day event, held on April 5 and 6, brought together the Regional Unit of Pieria, the municipalities of Katerini and Pydna-Kolindros, the Pieria Chamber of Commerce, and the Rachi Agricultural Cooperative “Saint Luke.”

The guests were welcomed by Ms. Sofia Mavridou, Deputy Regional Governor of Pieria, who noted:

“In the Regional Unit of Pieria, showcasing our region’s unique advantages is always high on our agenda. That’s why we actively support major events in Pieria such as the ‘Blooming Cherry Trees’. With our archaeological and religious monuments, beautiful natural setting, opportunities for outdoor activities, and distinctive local flavors, Pieria offers a broad spectrum of experiences. Our constant goal is to establish Pieria as a year-round tourism destination.”

During the three-day trip, guests participated in activities that closely linked the local community with agriculture and sustainable development throughout the greater Pieria area.

The journey began among the cherry orchards, where local producers and agronomists in Kolindros presented traditional cultivation methods and old regional cherry varieties. Attendees were then briefed on the importance of these local varieties for agronomy and tradition. After the orchard visits, participants enjoyed lunch in the square of Kolindros, sampling local cherry delicacies and other highlights of the area’s rich gastronomy. A special dinner followed on the evening of Saturday, April 5, at an exemplary agritourism venue in Katerini Municipality.

On Sunday, April 6, the group visited the “Mastodontas” Nature and Human Friends Club, where they toured the Mastodon Museum of Neokaisareia—a unique treasure trove of history and natural science, perfect for paleontology enthusiasts as well as tourists seeking something different. The day continued with activities at the Rachi Agricultural Cooperative “Saint Luke,” emphasizing the value of local producers working together.

Over the two-day “Blooming Cherry Trees of Pieria” event, participants had the chance to engage with Greek National Tourist Organization President Ms. Angela Gerekou, Deputy Regional Governor Ms. Sofia Mavridou, Katerini Mayor Mr. Ioannis Ntoumos, Dion-Olympus Mayor Mr. Evangelos Geroliolios, Pydna-Kolindros Mayor Mr. Christos Kombatsiaris, POTAP President Mr. Giorgos Karalis, Pieria Chamber of Commerce President Mr. Konstantinos Pitsias, Rachi Agricultural Cooperative President Mr. Dimitris Ntouros, Katerini Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Culture Ms. Elina Diamantopoulou, Pydna-Kolindros Deputy Mayor for Tourism Ms. Maria Navrozidou, and POTAP Director Mr. Vasilis Dimou.

The trip concluded on Sunday afternoon, with the visiting journalists expressing their enthusiasm for the breathtaking “Blooming Cherry Trees” spectacle that Pieria has to offer.

 

Greece takes center stage in Wrocław, Poland

 

With the participation of top travel agents and tour operators from the Polish market, the Greek Tourism Workshop concluded successfully on Thursday, April 3rd, in Wrocław, Poland. The event, organized by Tourism Media & Events, was one of the key promotional initiatives for Greek tourism in 2025.

 

Held at “Piwnica Świdnicka,” the oldest restaurant in Europe, located in the heart of Wrocław’s main square, the event was conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Warsaw.

The workshop opened with a series of B2B meetings, connecting Greek destinations and tourism enterprises with local travel professionals. These sessions highlighted the strong interest of the Polish market in Greece as a preferred travel destination.

Following the networking meetings, a series of presentations showcased featured Greek regions. Ms. Marianna Liaskou, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Greece, introduced the region as the event’s guest of honor. Additional presentations were delivered by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou from the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Ms. Aikaterini Kollia, Head of Tourism Promotion for the Region of Central Macedonia, and Mr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor for Tourism of the Region of Crete. The session concluded with an address by Mr. Krzysztof Kołodziej, Country Manager for Poland at SKY express.

 

The event was proudly supported by the Regions of Central Greece, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia, and Crete, as well as the Municipalities of East and West Samos. Additional sponsors included the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and SKY express. Tourism Today served as the event’s official media sponsor.

 

Vote of confidence in Greece from Spain and Italy

Greece’s dynamic presence in the Spanish and Italian tourism markets was prominently showcased during the recent “Greek Tourism Workshop” events held in Madrid and Milan. These events confirmed the high level of interest expressed by Spanish and Italian travel agents and tour operators in Greek destinations.

The events were held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the respective Embassies of Greece in Madrid and Rome.

At the “Greek Tourism Workshop” in the Spanish capital, the event was welcomed with a brief speech by Mr. Pantelis Gasios, Head of the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office at the Embassy of Greece in Madrid.

Similarly, in Milan, the event was honored by the presence and welcome remarks of Ms. Betty Larda, Ambassador of Greece to Rome, and Ms. Eleni Gavriilidou, Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) office in Milan, representing the GNTO.

The first part of the events featured targeted B2B meetings between Greek destinations and tourism enterprises with Spanish and Italian travel professionals, respectively. These were followed by presentations of the participating Greek destinations and companies, aiming to further strengthen their visibility in the markets.

In Madrid, the presentations were led by the honored Region of Crete, represented by Mr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor for Tourism, and Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Head of Business Support at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Discovering Tzoumerka | A Destination for Every Season

Discovering Tzoumerka | A destination for every season

“Gini vinis to locu nostros!” that means “Welcome to our land, let’s have a great time!” was the greeting we received in the Vlach dialect from Mr. Giorgos Pappas, Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Health of North Tzoumerka, setting the tone for our journey through breathtaking Tzoumerka.

“Tzoumerkohoria are around 47 villages, built between the 14th and 15th centuries, stretching from northern Arta to southern Ioannina. These villages are nestled among fir forests, plane trees, and chestnuts—untouched nature, traditional settlements, stone-built houses, churches, caves, and waterfalls make up a mosaic that everyone should visit at least once,” Mr. Pappas shared, adding:

“Next to Tzoumerkohoria are the Katsanochoria, made up of 11 villages, the most famous being Kaletzi, Elliniko, and Plaisia. Each one hides its own little paradise, completing a puzzle defined by unspoiled natural beauty, honest people, and unpretentious hospitality.”

The history of this captivating area stretches deep into time, inviting visitors to explore every facet.

Traditional Cuisine at Tzoumerka Tavern in Ktistades

In a stone-paved square with views of lush hillsides, the “Tzoumerka” tavern in Ktistades, near Pramanta, serves hearty local dishes, meats, classic pies, and fresh salads. The shade of a grand plane tree outside creates the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with the sounds of nature all around.

Tour of Anemotrypa Cave—the Whitest Cave in Greece

 

Only 3 km from Pramanta, hidden on a mountain slope at 900 meters elevation, lies Anemotrypa Cave—a natural masterpiece nearly 15 million years old and the only Greek cave with a river running its full length.

 The cave has three levels, with air temperature a steady 19°C and water at 10°C.

 Beautifully shaped, colorful stalagmites and three lakes—shades of grey, bronze, and white—form a dreamlike setting.

Coffee at the Luxury Horizons Hotel in Tsopela, Pramanta

Surrounded by cedar and fir forests at 1,000 meters, Horizons Hotel sits at the foot of Mt. Strongoula, just 1.5 km from Pramanta village.

 The hotel’s large glass windows in the café and restaurant open onto sweeping views—sometimes lush green, other times snow-white—of the Tzoumerka peaks. Guests can relax with coffee or drinks in the atmospheric lounge at any hour, enjoy a buffet of homemade treats, and browse the hotel’s book collection.

 

Syrrako: Greece’s Largest Stone Village

At 1,150 meters on a slope of Mt. Lakmos stands Syrrako, overlooking the Hroutsia river gorge and facing the Tzoumerka peaks. This village retains its classic Epirus stone architecture: stone houses with schist roofs.

 In 1975 it was classified by the Ministry of Culture as a settlement of natural beauty, and later as a protected traditional village. The main building materials are hewn stone for walls and slate for roofs—many houses are large and elegant, a testament to Syrrako’s prosperity in the past.

Cars are forbidden inside the village, preserving its original character. Vehicles stop at the entrance, where a stone bridge links to the road; there is also a peripheral road into the village that does not disturb its charm.

Visiting the Poet Kostas Krystallis Museum in Syrrako

In the heart of Syrrako is the childhood home of Kostas Krystallis (1868–1894), poet and writer, now a folk museum and library.

Along with his personal items, the museum displays artifacts such as traditional costumes, photos, and tools for making cheese and textiles.

Guide Mr. Kostas, staff in hand and with a love for his homeland, brings history to life. In the courtyard stands a bust of the poet.

 

Dining at “O Stavraetos” Tavern

The “O Stavraetos” tavern is Syrrako’s first tourist business, opened by Vasilis Vaitsis in 1976 and still run by his family.

Local livestock and cheese-making are central to Syrrako’s cuisine; every table offers a variety of cheeses—fried graviera, kefalotyri, galotyri, baked feta—and traditional pies passed down through generations.

Stay at “Old School” in Syrrako

Syrrako’s old school, standing for more than a century and now designated a modern monument, has been lovingly restored as a boutique hotel by Matina Loli and Vaggelis Giotopoulos (vice president, Ioannina Hoteliers Union).

 “Construction began in 1925, finished by 1929. It’s the only classified building in the region with a zinc roof, and made entirely from 80-cm thick stone. It served up to 400 students before closing in 1980. From 1980 to 2000 it was empty, then briefly a hostel, but it truly came back to life just recently.”

 Today, the hotel offers stylish rooms in soothing colors—perfect for unwinding after exploring.

Enjoy a traditional Epirus breakfast in the hotel’s garden: Syrrako yogurt, local “Galazoula” honey, fresh tea, homemade jams, pies, and cakes crafted by Matina.

 

Rafting in the Arachthos Gorge with Via Natura

Myth says in ancient times three siblings—serious Arachthos, beautiful Salabria (modern Pineios), and wild Aspros (modern Acheloos)—roamed Pindos mountains, their story woven into the area’s rivers. When Aspros realized his beloved sister was missing, he rushed through mountains and gorges, while Arachthos wandered grieving across Epirus. Eventually, Arachthos reached the Ambracian Gulf, where, consumed by loss, he threw himself into the Ionian Sea.

Tzoumerka is ideal for outdoor pursuits year-round: rafting, hiking, climbing, cycling, archery, and more. The expert Via Natura team provides all the gear—wetsuits, helmets, shoes, lifejackets—and guides every step of the way for a safe, unforgettable adventure suitable for all ages.

Plaka Bridge

The rafting route from Politsa to Plaka Bridge (about 12 km, difficulty level 3, duration 2 hours) is the most scenic navigable stretch of the Arachthos and perhaps the most striking in Greece.

Plaka Bridge, built in 1866 and rebuilt in 2019, is the largest single-arch stone bridge in the Balkans and the third largest in Europe. Don’t miss a stop at the Klifki Waterfall, with its turquoise, refreshing waters—a landscape straight out of a fairytale.

 

Lunch at the Renowned Boutzas Tavern in Pramanta

Behind St. Paraskevi church, on the village square, the Boutzas family tavern has been a culinary landmark since 1957, serving exceptional meats sourced from their own butcher shop: local cuts, lamb kleftiko, stewed mutton, kokoretsi, grilled mutton, lamb chops, galotyri cheese, and classic pies.

Exploring and Dining in Kalarrytes Village

Built into a sheer rockface lies the Holy Monastery of Kipina, on the way to Kalarrytes village.

Founded in 1212 and set in gardens tended by its monks, the monastery flourished in the 18th century, known for its social role.

In 1817, after a refusal by Syrrako locals to send a girl to Ali Pasha’s harem, the monastery was transferred to Kalarrytes, whose location and defenses helped it survive raids.

 Access is via a rocky path and a small wooden drawbridge that monks once lifted to protect against invaders.

After wandering Kalarrytes’ cobblestone alleys, visitors gather on the main square for coffee, drinks, food, and conversation.

 Elderly locals still speak the Vlach dialect and proudly pass it to younger generations.

 

Next to the square sits the private Anghela Ch. Golfanopoulou folklore collection, housed in the old Kostadimas mansion and filled with regional treasures, where retired teacher Katerina Mousafiri–Golfanopoulou welcomes guests.

The tour ends with a meal at “O Baros” grill house on the main square, featuring traditional pies, local cheeses, oven-baked giant beans, and handmade desserts.

Exploring Elliniko Village—An Open-Air Art Museum

Visit the Theodoros Papagiannis Museum of Contemporary Art and Tzouka Monastery

The entire route, from Elliniko’s entrance up the hill to Tzouka Monastery, is adorned with works by sculptor Theodoros Papagiannis, blending tradition, memory, and art.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, founded in 2009 in the village’s old school by master builders with funds from benefactor Nikolaos Mantelopoulos, hosts works by Papagiannis among the few Greek artists working with a wide array of materials, often recycled or salvaged. His pieces reflect people, traditional trades, and the region’s intellectual spirit—all shaped by his deep personal history.

Continuing northeast 3 km from the museum, the impressive Tzouka Monastery sits at 760 meters, a superbly preserved complex set high atop a nearly vertical rock, gazing across the Arachos Gorge.

 Tradition says Emperor Isaac II Angelos founded it in 1190; destroyed in 1736, it was rebuilt in 1779. Legend holds that a miraculous icon of the Virgin repeatedly moved itself to the hill, indicating the site for the monastery.

“Tsiouka Analta” in Vlach means “high peak,” echoing its lofty setting. Behind the monastery, visitors can admire the spectacular Arachos Gorge, famed for its natural beauty.

Dining at “O Ntouskos” Tavern in Elliniko

A few steps from the Papagiannis Museum, on a raised square beneath towering plane trees, “O Ntouskos” tavern serves authentic traditional fare—local meats, galotyri cheese, bougiourdi, regional pies, and delicious sweets, all in a warm and inviting setting overlooking the stunning local landscape.

Greek tourism workshops to be held in 10 international markets in 2025

The “Greek Tourism Workshops” organized by Tourism Media & Events (TME) are expanding their presence in strategic target markets for Greek tourism.

Following the successful execution of 13 events in 2024 across Europe, the USA, and the Middle East—regions considered vital for Greek tourism—TME is further enhancing its efforts to promote and showcase Greek destinations, gastronomy, and tourism services. It is worth noting that while all events operate under the same brand umbrella, they are tailored to the characteristics and goals of each market, resulting in variations such as the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop, Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, and Greek Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop.

For events with a gastronomic focus, local retailers, wholesalers, and importers are also invited alongside tourism professionals.

In alignment with the needs of businesses seeking to expand their sales network, the 2025 edition of the Greek Tourism Workshops will cover 10 international markets.

2025 Event Schedule

March 2025

  • Greek Tourism Workshop, Madrid, Spain – March 26, 2025
  • Greek Tourism Workshop, Milan, Italy – March 31, 2025

April 2025

  • Greek Tourism Workshop, Wrocław, Poland – April 3, 2025
  • Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop, Bahrain – April 9, 2025
  • Greek Tourism Workshop, Manchester, United Kingdom – April 28, 2025

October 2025

  • Greek Tourism Workshop, Copenhagen, Denmark – October 23, 2025
  • Greek Tourism Workshop, The Hague, Netherlands – October 30, 2025

November 2025

  • Greek Luxury Tourism Roadshow, Toronto & Montreal, Canada – November 10–12, 2025
  • Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 26, 2025

December 2025

  • Greek Tourism Workshop, Vienna, Austria – December 15 2025

 

About the Greek Tourism Workshops

The Greek Tourism Workshops are addressed to tourism businesses and public authorities interested in promoting their destinations, services, and products across various segments including luxury tourism, alternative tourism, gastronomic tourism, as well as mainstream quality tourism.

Each event brings together 70 to 80 local travel agents and tour operators from the respective market, ensuring a high level of targeted professional engagement.

 

To ensure the success of each workshop, Tourism Media & Events works closely with experienced in-house professionals as well as local PR agencies in each country, which are responsible for securing the participation of top-tier local tourism professionals.

During the events, presentations of Greek destinations, local products, and tourism services are delivered to travel agents and tour operators, aiming to enhance their awareness and interest in the Gre Greek Tourism Workshops to Be Held in 10 International Markets in 2025ek tourism offering.

In parallel, media briefings are held for invited representatives of leading and niche local media outlets to maximize public exposure for Greece and the participating entities.

The events culminate in professional B2B meetings lasting 3–4 hours, providing participants with the opportunity to connect with pre-qualified local professionals who have expressed a concrete interest in doing business.

Each workshop concludes with a networking lunch featuring traditional Greek cuisine, further promoting Greek gastronomy abroad and creating additional opportunities for meaningful dialogue between Greek participants and local tourism stakeholders.

 

Greece stands out in Frankfurt’s tourism scene

The newly appointed Consul General of Greece in Frankfurt, Mr. Dimitrios Dochtsis, addressed the event, highlighting the strong and promising relationship between Greece and Germany.

Also honoring the event with her presence was Ms. Nicoletta Lekanidi, Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) in Germany, based in Frankfurt.

 

During the workshop—held in one of the most promising tourism markets for Greece—hundreds of professional B2B meetings were conducted between leading Greek tourism businesses and destinations and key travel agencies and professionals from the German market. The goal of these meetings was to foster networking opportunities and build strategic partnerships aimed at promoting the Greek tourism product.

 

Following the B2B sessions, attendees had the opportunity to attend a series of presentations showcasing Greek destinations. Ms. Argyro Papaioannou, representative of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Macedonia, Mr. Babis Sofroniadis, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Ms. Paraskevi Yalou, representative of the Region of Peloponnese, and Mr. Tasos Gousios, representative of the Region of Thessaly, each presented the unique travel experiences offered by their regions. The presentations concluded with an introduction to SKY express, delivered by Ms. Julia Fregoglou, Executive in International B2B Sales.

Sponsors of the event included the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Region of Peloponnese, the Region of Thessaly, SKY express, and the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

Aegean Airlines served as the official airline sponsor, while Tourismtoday.gr acted as the official media partner.

 

Greek Luxury Tourism draws strong interest in Chicago

 

With the participation of the leading travel agents and tour operators from the Illinois market—particularly from Chicago—the “Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop” concluded successfully on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

This premier event, organized by Tourism Media & Events and focused on luxury tourism, was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C. The event was honored by the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Chicago, Mr. Emmanouil Koumparakis, who delivered a welcome address.

Throughout the workshop, a significant number of B2B meetings took place between top Greek tourism businesses and destinations and key American travel agencies and professionals specializing in the luxury tourism sector.

Following the business meetings, presentations of Greek destinations were delivered by Ms. Marianna Liaskou, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Greece, Ms. Argyro Papaioannou, Representative of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Macedonia, and Ms. Eleni Vougioukalaki, Deputy Head of the Tourism Department of the Regional Unit of Heraklion, Region of Crete.

The Region of Central Greece was the honored destination at the “Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop” in Chicago. The official airline sponsor of the event was Aegean Airlines.

Sponsors included the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Crete, the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, and the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.” The official media sponsor was Tourismtoday.gr.

It is emphasized that the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshops are addressed to tourism enterprises and public bodies aiming to promote their luxury-oriented services and products, while also facilitating new business deals.

At the same time, these events target export-oriented companies seeking to establish or strengthen their presence in key international markets.

The 2024 calendar of Tourism Media & Events concludes with the Greek Tourism Workshop on December 4 in Frankfurt, Germany—a market of strategic importance for Greek tourism.

 

New York: Greece emerges as a magnet for health tourism

 

With high expectations, the Greek Health Tourism Forum concluded successfully in New York on Tuesday, November 19, organized by Tourism Media & Events, with the participation of key representatives from private clinics, healthcare institutions, and tourism businesses already active—or seeking to expand—in the American health tourism market.

The main objective of the forum was to strengthen Greece’s presence as a leading destination for high-level healthcare services in a market that is evolving rapidly.

The fact that medical tourism development is a priority in the new national strategic plan for tourism further highlights the importance of the event.

Our country possesses strong competitive advantages that must be utilized in order to claim a larger share of this fast-growing market and emerge as a major player on the international stage, despite the high level of competition.

The internationalization of the global medical industry and the rapid development of tourism, combined with several factors such as demographic and technological trends, make the development of medical tourism structures and services a sustainable and highly promising sector.

The event, which took place in the heart of Manhattan, was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Washington. The Consul of Greece in New York, Mr. Petros Dorizas, was in attendance and addressed the forum with a welcoming speech.

The Region of Central Macedonia was the event’s honored destination, while the Greek Health Tourism Council ELITOUR served as a strategic partner.

During the Greek Health Tourism Forum, presentations were delivered by Dr. Giorgos Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association, ELITOUR, GDHI, and EDDYPPY; Dr. Antonios Polydoros, Secretary General of the Global Hippocratic Institute of Physicians; Dr. Konstantinos Pantos, founder of Genesis Athens Clinic and IVF specialist; Dr. Nikolaos Vrachnis, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Dr. Evangelini (Lina) Evgeni, CEO of the cryopreservation bank “Cryogonia”; Mr. Nikolaos S. Kouvelas, D.D.S., PhD, CEO of Eurodentica – Specialized Dental Care; Mr. Christos Christou, owner of Emphasis Club; and Ms. Lydia (Ioannidou) Mouzaka, Mastologist and President of the Hellenic Society of Mastology. The presentations concluded with Mr. Andreas Kisskinis from the Department of Tourism Promotion and Marketing of the Region of Central Macedonia.

 

The event culminated in professional (B2B) meetings between the Greek delegates and entrepreneurs and companies from the American healthcare sector, as well as leading travel agents and tour operators, confirming their interest in Greece as a premier Health & Wellness Tourism destination.

Sponsors of the event included:

Silver Sponsor: Genesis Athens Private Clinic
Bronze Sponsors: Emphasis Club, Hellenic Society of Mastology, Eurodentica – Specialized Dental Care, Cryogonia – Sperm Cryopreservation Bank, Athens Medical Group
Official Air Travel Sponsor: Aegean Airlines
Sponsors: Enterprise Greece, “Greek Breakfast” by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Med-Professionals, and Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”
Media Sponsor: Tourismtoday.gr