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.