High expectations for the 2023 tourism season marked the conclusion of the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop in the USA

The Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, organized by Tourism Media & Events in New York City on November 15, 2022, recorded strong optimism and high expectations for Greek tourism from the U.S. market in 2023.

The event was held with the primary goal of attracting high-income travelers to Greece while also promoting Greek exports within the American market.

It is widely recognized that the U.S. tourism market is one of the most dynamic for both luxury inbound travel and Greece’s high-value agri-food exports.

With a focus on the American market, the event represented another important step for Tourism Media & Events in strengthening Greece’s luxury tourism offering and showcasing its premium products, as part of the broader series of Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshops planned throughout 2023.

Held in the heart of Manhattan, the workshop took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C., and the Central Union of Chambers of Greece. The honored region was Central Macedonia, while the honored Gastronomy Region was Western Macedonia.

Event sponsors included Enterprise Greece S.A., Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos,” and the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

Presentations were delivered by Mr. Marinos Giannopoulos, CEO of Enterprise Greece; Mr. Giorgos Kasapidis, Regional Governor of Western Macedonia and President of the Region’s Agri-Food Partnership; Mr. Spyros Kellidis, Economist (M.A.) at ANKO Western Macedonia S.A. – Regional Development Agency; Mr. Miltiadis Nikolaou, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Macedonia; Ms. Maripola Kotsi, Marketing Executive at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”; and Ms. Pepi Birliraki, Deputy Mayor of Tourism for the Municipality of Rethymno.

From the U.S. market, 65 travel agents, 21 buyers of Greek products, and 14 prominent media outlets participated. In this context, hundreds of Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings were held between representatives of Greek destinations and tourism businesses and U.S. companies active in the travel and hospitality industry.

High expectations for Greek luxury tourism in Amsterdam

With the participation of all major Dutch travel agents and tour operators specializing in luxury travel, the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, organized by Tourism Media & Events, was successfully held in Amsterdam on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

The strong presence and impressive participation of the Dutch professionals highlighted the growing potential of the Dutch market for high-income tourism toward Greece.

It is noteworthy that the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) was the main sponsor of the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop in Amsterdam, where Greek destinations and tourism enterprises had the opportunity to meet leading travel agents from the Netherlands.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Embassy of Greece in The Hague, the Hellenic–Dutch Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Central Union of Chambers of Greece. The honored region was Thessaly.

Other participants included the Regions of Central Macedonia, Western Greece, and Crete, as well as the Municipalities of Karystos, Rethymno, and Kos. The event also welcomed several leading Greek hotels and innovative tourism companies.

Aegean Airlines served as the official airline sponsor, while additional sponsors included the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the Chamber of Heraklion, and the Chamber of Arcadia.

The workshop took place at the historic and iconic 5-star deluxe Grand Hotel Amrâth, a 107-year-old landmark in central Amsterdam. It was honored by the presence and greeting of Mr. Evangelos Dairetzis, Economic & Commercial Affairs Counsellor of the Greek Embassy in The Hague, and Ms. Athina Spakouri, Director of the GNTO Office for the Netherlands.

Presentations were delivered by Ms. Angela Tzifa, Deputy Head of the GNTO Office in the Netherlands; Mr. Argyris Mergias from the Tourism Department of the Region of Thessaly; Mr. Lavrentis Vassiliadis, Head of Tourism Strategy Planning for the Region of Western Greece; Dr. Evangelia Mylona, Head of the Tourism Office of the Regional Unit of Pieria (Region of Central Macedonia); and Dr. Kyriakos G. Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & E-Governance for the Region of Crete.

The event concluded with a prize draw featuring 14 hospitality gifts generously offered by Greek destinations and hotels.

The next event promoting Greek luxury tourism was scheduled to take place in New York on November 14–15, 2022, followed by a workshop in Warsaw on December 13, 2022, focusing on the broader promotion of Greek tourism.

Larissa’s Coastline: Here, tourism is simply an experience

In the heart of Greece, nestled between the embrace of Mount Olympus and facing Mount Athos, lies the coastal region of Larissa — a truly unique destination boasting 70 kilometers of coastline and more than 30 beaches.

This easily accessible region is just 3 hours from Athens, 1.5 hours from Thessaloniki, 40 minutes from the city of Larissa, and only 10 minutes from the Vale of Tempi. It is also located 40 miles from Skiathos, 60 from Alonissos, and 30 from Halkidiki.

As part of a press trip held from May 20–22, a team of journalists representing 14 leading Greek media outlets visited key landmarks and attractions across the wider area.

The coast of Larissa is a destination that combines mountain and sea in an unspoiled, effortlessly natural environment. Its gorges, lakes, hiking trails, and the Pinios River delta — home to herons and diverse wildlife — offer countless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Traditional villages scattered along the slopes of Mount Kissavos, the thermal springs of Kokkino Nero, the former royal estate at Polydendri, local landmarks, monasteries, hermitages, and centuries-old churches of Mount Kelliou all add depth to this remarkable setting.

Visitors can also enjoy local tastings of renowned regional products — apples, chestnuts, cherries, and kiwifruits — along with the area’s wild herbs, experiencing a harmonious coexistence of agricultural life and tourism.

All this is generously offered by the local people, who welcome guests into their accommodations and properties, providing warm hospitality and authentic experiences in serene, uncrowded environments.

A visit to the Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos in Anatoli revealed a living heritage: founded by Saint Damianos the Confessor in the 16th century, it is home to 23 nuns who cultivate, produce, and sell their own products.

Next stop — the picturesque village of Melivoia.

A stroll through enchanting Metaxochori, the “Village of Artists.” Once known as Retsiani or Melissi, Metaxochori lies just 1.5 km from Agia and is famed for its silk production. Perched at 300 meters altitude and 36 km from Larissa, it is a traditional settlement with ancient roots; Roman and Hellenistic funerary stelae have been found here, and it is said that Saint Kosmas of Aetolia preached to the villagers in 1765.

 

 

 

A tour continued along Agiokampos Beach — the second-longest beach in Greece — by inflatable boat.

 

 

Kokkino Nero
The village’s name comes from its famous red mineral spring. The carbonated, iron-rich water owes its color to natural mineral salts and is believed to have therapeutic qualities.

Pinios Delta
A landscape of exceptional beauty. Visitors can explore by small boats or canoes along the river, surrounded by wetlands, wild olive groves, cultivated olive orchards, pastures, coastal dunes, and riverine forests — all forming an intricate ecosystem of the Pinios Delta.

Ampelakia: The Balcony of Kissavos
Ampelakia is a traditional settlement in the prefecture of Larissa, located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ossa at the entrance of the Vale of Tempi. The village is famed for its grand mansions, a testament to its prosperous past, built on the wealth generated from dyeing silk threads red using the madder root (Rubia tinctorum).

 

The journey continued through the Vale of Tempi — a place of breathtaking natural charm — before arriving at the historic Chani tis Kokkonas inn, where significant archaeological discoveries have been made, revealing remains of a Hellenistic complex with both ritual and workshop areas, as well as a Byzantine church and guesthouse.

A stop followed at the renowned Dougos Winery and a tour through the historic wine village of Rapsani.

Rapsani


Magical journeys often begin with a book and a glass of red wine — and when combined with cobbled alleys, panoramic views of the Tempi Valley and the coast, they lead straight to Rapsani, the ideal destination.

Built 500 meters above sea level on the fertile slopes of Mount Olympus, Rapsani is a true gem of a village. Written references to it appear as early as the 15th century. Even today, Rapsani thrives and continues to make history — the summer retreat of novelist M. Karagatsis (the pen name of Dimitrios Rodopoulos), who often drew inspiration from its charm.

A strong scent of Greece at the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop in Qatar

With the participation of 73 travel agents active in the Qatari market, the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop concluded successfully last Wednesday in Doha.

The strong Greek presence impressed the Arab participants, whose turnout confirmed Qatar’s significant potential as a high-end tourism market for Greece.

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) was the main sponsor of the Workshop, which brought together Greek destinations and tourism enterprises with the most prominent Qatari travel agencies. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, with the Region of Central Macedonia as the honored region. Sponsors included Mideast Travel Group, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels’ “Greek Breakfast” initiative, and the Municipality of Rethymno.

The workshop took place at the City Center Rotana in downtown Doha and was honored by the presence and greeting of H.E. Ms. Eleni Michopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to Qatar.

Following the B2B meetings, Ms. Maria Andreadou, Head of Tourism for the Regional Unit of Imathia, presented on behalf of the Region of Central Macedonia, highlighting the unique advantages of each regional unit and showcasing the region’s growing interest in the Qatari market.

Equally dynamic was the participation of the Municipality of Rethymno, represented by Deputy Mayor Ms. Pepi Birliraki, who introduced the Qatari audience to the attractions of Crete and the many reasons why the island is an ideal destination for travelers from Qatar.

The event concluded with traditional Greek dances performed by the Greek Folk Dancing Group of Qatar’s Greek community, followed by the customary raffle draw organized by Tourism Media & Events, offering more than 15 hospitality gifts contributed by Greek destinations and hotels.

Upcoming events promoting Greek luxury tourism are scheduled to take place in Amsterdam in October 2022 and in the USA from November 14–16, 2022, while an additional workshop supporting general Greek tourism is planned for early December 2022 in Warsaw.

Greece emerging as a top high-end destination

The Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, organized by Tourism Media & Events, is set to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 18, with its focus on one of the most promising sources of high-income travelers for Greek tourism — Qatar.

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is the main sponsor of this Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, which will feature Greek destinations and tourism businesses aiming to establish or further strengthen their presence in the Qatari market.

The event is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, with the Region of Central Macedonia as the honored region. Sponsors include MIDEAST Travel Group, the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, and the Municipality of Rethymno.

The Workshop’s goal, among others, is to position Greece as a premier high-end tourism destination on the international map, following the methodology applied across all Luxury events organized by Tourism Media & Events.

Attracting tourists from Middle Eastern countries is of high strategic importance for Greece, as these travelers possess strong spending power and are willing to invest significant amounts in their holidays — a factor that directly supports the recovery and ongoing growth of Greek tourism’s key metrics.

As part of the Workshop, Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings have already been scheduled between representatives from Greece and Qatar engaged in luxury tourism. The event will take place at the City Center Rotana, in downtown Doha.

In addition to the B2B sessions, destination and organization presentations will be held, providing participants further networking opportunities during the cocktail reception following the meetings.

Upcoming events to promote Greek luxury tourism will be held in person in Amsterdam in October 2022 and in the USA from November 14–16, 2022. An additional event for the promotion of general Greek tourism is planned for early December 2022 in Warsaw.

Strong presence of the GNTO at the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop in Qatar

A dynamic presence is expected from the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) at the upcoming Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, organized this Wednesday, April 18, by Tourism Media & Events, focusing on one of the most promising sources of high-income travelers for Greek tourism — Qatar.

Demonstrating its firm commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Greece as a global travel destination, the GNTO will serve as the main sponsor of the Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop. The event will feature Greek destinations and tourism enterprises aspiring to establish or further strengthen their position in the Qatari and broader Middle Eastern markets.

The GNTO’s participation holds major significance, as positioning Greece as a leading destination for luxury travel and gastronomy worldwide remains a key strategic priority for the Organization.

The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, with the Region of Central Macedonia as the honored region. Sponsors include MIDEAST Travel Group, the “Greek Breakfast” initiative, and the Municipality of Rethymno.

The goal of the Workshop is to elevate Greece as a premier global high-end tourism and gastronomy destination. Attracting visitors from Middle Eastern countries is of high strategic importance for Greece, which aims to expand its share of the luxury tourism segment — as travelers from this region are known for their significant spending power and willingness to invest heavily in travel experiences, thereby contributing substantially to the continued growth and development of the Greek tourism sector.

As part of the Workshop, Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings have already been scheduled between Greek and Qatari representatives operating in the luxury tourism sector.

The Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshops are designed for tourism enterprises and public organizations seeking to showcase their high-end services and products while promoting Greece as a leading destination. At the same time, they address agri-food businesses aiming to gain or expand their presence in Middle Eastern markets, where interest in Greek products is already notably strong.

Surge of meetings at the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop in Dubai on May 11, 2022

High-profile participation from the Arab tourism market and top-level meetings are anticipated for the Greek participants at the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop 2022, held at the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Given the favorable prospects for Greece regarding the Arab tourism market—where even a doubling of Arab tourists visiting Greece in 2022 is expected—Greek tourism businesses and organizations look forward, through their participation in the Workshop, to attracting high-income-profile travelers.

It is noted that the timing of the event offers a significant advantage for participants, coinciding with the ongoing Arabian Travel Market, which provides everyone the opportunity to hold crucial meetings aimed at closing deals.

The Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop 2022 in Dubai, targeting the Arab market, focuses on luxury tourism and represents another step by Tourism Media & Events within the series of Greek Tourism & Gastronomy Workshops 2022 organized in key markets abroad for Greece.

The event takes place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Embassy of Greece in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi, and the Central Union of Greek Chambers of Commerce.

One hundred twenty travel agents from the UAE, as well as from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, participate.

The honored region is the South Aegean Region.

Sponsors include the Ionian Islands Region, Mideast Travel Worldwide, and the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

In addition to B2B meetings, the event includes presentations by destinations and organizations while offering all participants further networking opportunities during the cocktail reception following the meetings.

Upcoming events promoting Greece’s luxury tourism include those in Qatar on May 18, 2022, Amsterdam in October 2022, and the USA from November 14 to 16, 2022, with an additional event scheduled in Warsaw in early December 2022.

For more information, please contact +30 210 7295620.