Greece’s alternative tourism is promoted in the Netherlands. On April 16, 2019, Hague hosts for the first time the alternative side of Greece, at the Workshop “Greek Alternative Tourism 2019” in the emblematic space of Madurodam.
The way has been opened for the faster development of alternative tourism in Greece. The completion of the recent 1st Greek Alternative Tourism Workshop 2019, held on April 16 at the Dutch administrative center, Hague, marks and contributes to the beginning of a new era for the Greek tourism, aimed at extending the country’s tourist season but also promoting its alternative tourism product.
The 1st Greek Alternative Tourism Workshop Hague 2019 took place in the emblematic Madurodam.
Greek businessmen promoting alternative tourism have joined forces with public institutions to effectively promote Greece as an ideal tourist destination all year round to Dutch tourism professionals from Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
In particular, the B2B event, where B2B meetings were held, was attended by 93 travel agents and tour operators, as well as 19 Dutch journalists and bloggers who focus on alternative tourism. From the Greek side, their services presented the Regions of Peloponnese, Western Greece and Crete, the municipalities of Rethymno and Chios, the Tourism Organization of Halkidiki, and among others, Aegean Airlines, Celestyal Cruises, Costa Navarino, Creta Maris, or AXIA Hospitality, Aldemar Group’s Abeliona Retreat, Trekking Hellas, The Ranch, Bike Friendly Hotel, etc.
The Ambassador of Greece to the Netherlands, Mr. Dimitris Chronopoulos, addressed the event, pointing out the dynamic of Greece as a tourist destination, mentioning the prospects that are opening up in regards to the relations between the two countries in this area as well. Afterwards, the head of the EOT office Benelux Mrs. Eleni Skarveli analysed the aspects of the country’s alternative product, emphasising the possibilities for holidays in Greece 365 days/year.
The event was completed with a lottery for 27 prizes to the Dutch Travel Agents, Tour Operators and journalists.
It is noted that the B2B meetings was preceded by a tasting of Greek wines by Dutch journalists, while on the sidelines of the event a tasting of olive oil was held. It is worth noting that the 1st Greek Alternative Tourism Workshop Hague 2019 was organised by AVIAREPS in collaboration with Tourism Media & Events, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic-Dutch Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HeDA) and with the support of the Hellenic Tourism Organisation (GNTO), while the Peloponnese Region the honorary Region of the event.
Why in the Netherlands
Greece is one of the most popular destinations for outings from the Netherlands.
2018: record decade of arrivals from the Netherlands to Greece (924.434 visitors, an increase of 18.9%
compared to 2017).
The charateristics of Dutch tourists
- Value for money options preferred.
- Love for nature and adventure.
- Repeaters 1/3 of Dutch tourists visiting Greece.
- Direct flights to destinations in Greece throughout the year.
- In 2017, 82% of the population travelled on vacation (2.82 trips per person on average).
- 50% of trips are made abroad and 1/3 of them to Mediterranean destinations.
- Twice a year the Dutch choose alternative forms of tourism.
