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

A vote of confidence for Greece from the Dutch market

With the participation of 73 leading Dutch travel agents and tour operators, the Greek Tourism Workshop concluded successfully in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Organized by Tourism Media & Events, the workshop took place at the modern Liemès business venue and featured hundreds of Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings between Greek destinations and tourism enterprises and Dutch companies operating in the travel industry.

The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Apostolos Michalopoulos, Head of the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Embassy of Greece in The Hague, who addressed the audience with a welcome speech, highlighting the importance of strengthening tourism ties between the two countries.

Following the B2B meetings, presentations were delivered by Dr. Lavrentios Vasileiadis, Head of the Directorate of Education, Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Employment of the Region of Western Greece — this edition’s honored destination. Presentations continued with Ms. Argyro Papaioannou from the Department of Tourism Promotion and Marketing of the Region of Central Macedonia, Ms. Marianna Liaskou, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Greece, Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, member of the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism and E-Governance of the Region of Crete.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in The Hague. The main sponsor of the workshop was the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), with the Region of Western Greece as the featured destination.

Additional sponsors included the Region of Central Greece, the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Rethymno, the Municipality of Volos, and the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

Aegean Airlines served as the official airline sponsor, while media sponsorship was provided by Tourismtoday.gr.

It is worth noting that the Greek Tourism Workshops are addressed to tourism businesses and public entities aiming to promote their services and products, especially in the areas of alternative tourism, gastronomy, and luxury travel, while also seeking to establish commercial agreements. At the same time, they are directed at export-oriented enterprises that aim to penetrate or strengthen their presence in key markets.

The next Greek Tourism Workshop by Tourism Media & Events in the Benelux region is scheduled for October 24 in Antwerp, Belgium, followed by the flagship event highlighting Greek luxury tourism in Chicago, on November 21.

The 2024 program of Tourism Media & Events concludes on December 4 in Frankfurt, Germany — a market of strategic significance for Greek tourism.

 

Cairo: Greece a magnet for luxury tourism

 

With the participation of Egypt’s leading travel agents and tour operators specializing in luxury travel, the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop organized by Tourism Media & Events concluded successfully on Tuesday, April 23, in Cairo.

The strong attendance of Egyptian professionals clearly demonstrated the heightened interest in the 2024 travel season and confirmed the promising prospects of the Egyptian market for high-income tourism to Greece.

The event took place at the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis Hotel and was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Cairo.

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) served as the main sponsor of the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop.

The honored Region was Central Macedonia, while EGYPTAIR was the official airline sponsor.

Additional sponsors included the Region of Crete, the “Greek Breakfast” initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, Aegean Airlines, and Mideast Travel Worldwide.

The event was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Greece to Egypt, Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou, who delivered a welcome address, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between the two countries in the luxury tourism sector.

Following the conclusion of the B2B meetings, presentations were delivered by Mr. Leonidas Tsiantis, Head of Planning and Coordination of the Directorate of Tourism of the Region of Central Macedonia; Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism and E-Governance of the Region of Crete; Dr. Andreas Skouloudis, Deputy Mayor of Ierapetra; Ms. Katerina Mousmpe of Mideast Travel Worldwide; and Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Business Development Officer of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.

The event was also featured on Nile News, Egypt’s prominent news television network.

Focused on Cairo’s luxury travel market, the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop represented another strategic step by Tourism Media & Events in enhancing Greece’s positioning as a premier destination for high-end tourism.

All Greek tourism professionals who traveled to Cairo expressed their enthusiasm, having completed a large number of appointments. Hundreds of targeted B2B meetings were held, allowing participants to strengthen their networks and build new partnerships with representatives of Egyptian companies active in the luxury travel segment.

 

 

 

 

Greece positioned as a leading luxury destination for Kuwait

With an impressive turnout, the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop, organized by Tourism Media & Events, concluded on the evening of Tuesday, April 16, in Kuwait City.

Hundreds of targeted meetings were held between Kuwaiti travel agents and Greek participants, reaffirming the strong interest of the Kuwaiti market in Greece as a premier destination for luxury tourism and gastronomy.

The event took place at the prestigious St. Regis Kuwait and was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Kuwait.

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) served as the main sponsor of the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop, with the Region of Crete being the honored destination.

Additional sponsors included Mideast Travel Worldwide, the “Greek Breakfast” initiative by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, and Aegean Airlines.

The event was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Greece to Kuwait, Mr. Ioannis Plotas, who delivered an official greeting.

Following the conclusion of the B2B sessions, a dedicated presentation of the honored Region of Crete was delivered by Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism and E-Governance. A presentation was also delivered by Ms. Katerina Mousmpe, Managing Director of Mideast Travel Worldwide and official GSA of Kuwait Airways in Greece.

The workshop attracted wide media coverage, with representatives from several major Kuwaiti news outlets in attendance, including TimesKuwait, Alqabas, Aljarida, and others.

It is noted that the next Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop by Tourism Media & Events, dedicated to promoting Greece’s luxury tourism offerings, is scheduled to take place in Cairo on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis.

High expectations for an increase of Danish tourists to Greece in 2024

High expectations for the 2024 tourism season from the Danish market toward Greece were recorded by the Greek Tourism Workshop in Copenhagen, whose proceedings concluded on the afternoon of Thursday, March 21, 2024.The leading promotional event for Greek tourism and gastronomy, organized by Tourism Media & Events, was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Copenhagen.

The event, which took place at the Scandic Falkoner Hotel, was attended by prominent Greek tourism enterprises and destinations, as well as key Danish travel agencies and tour operators.

The workshop was honored by the presence of Mr. Takis Papafillippopoulos, Secretary to the Ambassador of Greece in Copenhagen, who addressed the audience with a welcoming speech.

The Region of Crete was the Featured Region of the event, while among the participants were also the Region of Attica, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Region of Central Macedonia, the Municipality of Rethymno, the Municipality of Volos, and others.

The Official Airline Sponsor of the event was Aegean Airlines.

Following the B2B meetings, presentations were held by the Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism and Digital Governance of the Region of Crete, Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, by the Head of the Tourism Promotion Department of the Region of Attica, Ms. Maria Pantelous, by Ms. Marianna Skoularika from the Tourism Office of the Regional Unit of Kilkis (Region of Central Macedonia), by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, member of the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and by the Head of the Tourism Department of the Municipality of Volos, Mr. Georgios Papamakarios.

It is noted that the next events of Tourism Media & Events focused on promoting Greek luxury tourism are the Greek Luxury Tourism Workshops in Kuwait, on April 16, 2024, and in Cairo, on April 23, 2024.

They will be followed by the Greek Tourism Workshops in Tokyo on May 28, 2024, in Utrecht on October 24, 2024, in New York (USA) on November 19, 2024, in Chicago (USA) on November 21, 2024, and in Poland on December 10, 2024.

 

 

Greek tourism workshop showcases Greece in the Czech Republic

The event, which was held at the GRAND MAJESTIC hotel in the center of Prague, took place between Greek tourism enterprises and destinations and key travel agents, and was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Prague.

The strong interest in Greece was confirmed by the presence of leading tour operators and travel agents, including Der Touristik CZ, CORAL TRAVEL, CK Experitour s.r.o., and Blue Style, a.s.

The Honored Region was the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, while the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Crete, and hotel units from across Greece also participated.

The workshop was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Greece in Prague, Mr. Athanasios Paresoglou, who delivered a greeting, as well as the Director of the GNTO Office in Poland and the Czech Republic, Ms. Nikoleta Nikolopoulou, who presented significant data regarding inbound tourism from the Czech Republic.

Following the B2B meetings, presentations were held by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, member of the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace; Ms. Aikaterini Kollia from the Tourism Promotion and Marketing Department of the Region of Central Macedonia; Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & E-Governance of the Region of Crete; and Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Head of Business Support of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.

After the presentations, participants of the Greek Tourism Workshop had the opportunity to enjoy Greek cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant.

It is noted that the upcoming events of Tourism Media & Events focused on the promotion of Greek tourism will take place in Copenhagen on March 21, 2024, in Kuwait on April 16, 2024, in Cairo on April 23, 2024, in Tokyo on May 28, 2024, in Utrecht on October 24, 2024, in Chicago (USA) on November 20–21, 2024, and in Poland on December 9–10, 2024.

 

Greece’s strong presence in Stockholm

The Greek Tourism Workshop, the premier promotional event for Greek tourism in the Swedish market, organized by Tourism Media & Events, was successfully completed on Tuesday, February 6th. The event brought together Greek tourism businesses and destinations with leading Swedish travel agents and industry professionals. It took place at KASTRO restaurant, in the heart of Solna, Stockholm’s fastest-growing business district.

Interest in the 2024 tourist season was exceptionally high, with Swedish participants—tour operators and media representatives—showing particular attention to the destinations and hotels that took part in the event. This enthusiasm lays the foundation for a highly positive outlook for the year ahead.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was the Honored Region, while the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Crete, and hotel units from all over Greece also participated.

The workshop was honored by the presence of Mr. Pavlos Olziersky, Economic and Commercial Affairs Counselor of the Embassy of Greece in Sweden, who delivered a welcome address, praising the initiative and highlighting its potential in promoting Greek tourism in the Swedish market. Also attending was Ms. Vasiliki Tsiouplaki, Member of the Swedish Parliament.

Following the B2B meetings, the event included presentations by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, member of the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Ms. Marianna Skoularika from the Tourism Office of the Regional Unit of Kilkis (Region of Central Macedonia), and Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism & Digital Governance of the Region of Crete.

At the conclusion of the B2B sessions, participants of the Greek Tourism Workshop had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional wine tasting experience featuring selected Greek wines from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

It is worth noting that the upcoming events by Tourism Media & Events, aimed at promoting Greek tourism, will take place in Copenhagen on March 21, 2024, in Kuwait on April 16, 2024, in Cairo on April 23, 2024, in Tokyo on May 28, 2024, in Utrecht on October 24, 2024, in Chicago (USA) on November 20–21, 2024, and in Poland on December 9–10, 2024.

 

Greece among the top holiday choices for Hungarians in 2024

The Greek–Hungarian Tourism Workshop, a flagship event promoting Greek tourism in the Hungarian market, was successfully completed last Wednesday. Organized by Tourism Media & Events, the workshop brought together Greek tourism businesses and destinations with Hungary’s leading travel agents at the prestigious 5-star Parisi Udvar Hotel in the heart of Budapest.

Interest in the 2024 tourism season was exceptionally high, with Hungarian agents showing close attention to the participating destinations and hotels — a promising sign for a particularly strong year ahead.

According to data from Hungary’s Central Statistical Office, the number of Hungarian visitors to Greece continues to rise. From 115,000 travelers in 2014, the figure surpassed 369,000 in 2019, reaching similar levels again in 2023.

A total of 39 Hungarian travel agents participated, alongside nine Greek destinations and tourism enterprises. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

The honored region for this year was Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, joined by the Regions of Central Greece and Crete, as well as hotel units from across the country.

The workshop was honored by the presence and greeting of Mr. Doukas Marinopoulos, Economic and Commercial Affairs Counsellor of the Embassy of Greece in Hungary, who emphasized the Embassy’s active role in promoting Greek tourism in the Hungarian market.

Following the B2B meetings, the program featured presentations by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, Member of the Tourism Promotion Team of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace; Ms. Marianna Liaskou, Head of Tourism of the Region of Central Greece; and Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & e-Governance of the Region of Crete.

After the completion of the B2B sessions, participants of the Greek Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop enjoyed an exquisite wine-tasting experience featuring fine Greek wines from Eastern Macedonia & Thrace.

 

Upcoming events by Tourism Media & Events promoting Greek tourism are scheduled in Nicosia (January 17, 2024), Stockholm (February 6, 2024), Prague (February 8, 2024), Copenhagen (March 21, 2024), Kuwait (April 15, 2024), Cairo (April 23, 2024), New York (May 14, 2024), Tokyo (May 28, 2024), Utrecht (October 24, 2024), Chicago, USA (November 20–21, 2024), and Poland (December 9–10, 2024).

Polish travelers keep Greece among their top picks for 2024

The Greek–Polish Tourism and Gastronomy Workshop successfully concluded last Wednesday, marking a major promotional event for Greek tourism in the Polish market. Organized by Tourism Media & Events, the workshop brought together Greek tourism enterprises and destinations with leading Polish tour operators at one of Warsaw’s most popular new venues, the ADN Conference Center.

Interest in the 2024 tourism season was exceptionally strong, with Polish agents showing remarkable enthusiasm for new destinations — a promising indicator for another highly positive year ahead.

From Poland, 49 travel agents participated, while the Greek delegation included 20 destinations and tourism businesses. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Poland.

The honored region was Crete, joined by the Regions of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, Central Macedonia, and Attica, as well as the Municipalities of Rethymno, Paros, and Katerini. Aegean Airlines served as the Official Air Carrier Sponsor, with additional support from Sky Express, Goldair Handling, Fraport Greece, Helexpo S.A., the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, and the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The workshop was honored by the presence of H.E. Ms. Nikki H. Kambas, Ambassador of Greece to Poland, who addressed the event, along with Ms. Nikoletta Nikolopoulou, Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Office in Poland. Ms. Nikolopoulou presented important data on inbound tourism from Poland in 2023 and shared optimistic forecasts for 2024.

Following the series of B2B meetings, presentations were given by Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & e-Governance (Region of Crete); Mr. Leonidas Tsiantis from the Tourism Planning and Coordination Department (Region of Central Macedonia); Ms. Maria Pantelous from the Tourism Promotion Department (Region of Attica); Ms. Patty Konstantinidou from the Tourism Promotion Team (Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace); Mr. George Baliouskas, B2B Sales & Distribution Director (Sky Express); and Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Business Support Officer (Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

Upcoming events by Tourism Media & Events promoting Greek tourism are scheduled in Budapest (January 10, 2024), Nicosia (January 17, 2024), Stockholm (February 6, 2024), Prague (February 8, 2024), and Copenhagen (March 21, 2024).

New York: Greece Emerges as a Magnet for Health Tourism

Americans show strong confidence in Greek luxury tourism

Greece is setting course for increased sales in the luxury tourism sector. This was the key takeaway from the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, the country’s premier promotional event for luxury tourism in the United States, organized by Tourism Media & Events in New York City on Thursday, November 16, in Manhattan.

The event brought together 14 Greek companies, regions, municipalities, hotels, and tourism enterprises, who met with 63 travel agents and 6 distinguished journalists from across the United States.

Held in the heart of Manhattan, the workshop took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C. The Region of Attica was honored as the featured region, while Aegean Airlines served as the official airline sponsor.

The event’s sponsors included Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos,” Fraport Greece, Thessaloniki Port Authority, the Municipality of Rethymno, and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

Presentations were given by the Region of Attica with Ms. Athina Kolyva, Head of the Tourism Directorate of the Region of Attica; the Region of Crete with Dr. Kyriakos G. Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & E-Governance and member of the Regional Economic Committee of Crete; and the Region of Central Macedonia with Mr. Miltiadis Nikolaou, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Macedonia.

With a strong focus on the U.S. luxury tourism market, the event marked another important step by Tourism Media & Events in strengthening Greece’s presence in this high-end segment.

All participating Greek tourism professionals expressed enthusiasm, having each secured more than 20 appointments. As noted, hundreds of fruitful meetings and significant B2B sessions took place, offering participants expanded networking opportunities with representatives of U.S.-based luxury travel companies.

The event also allowed American tourism professionals to discover new destinations and products from the Greek luxury tourism market.