The Greek National Tourism

Newsletter

February 2015      

CNN: Vergina is one of UNESCO's top ten heritage sites with a wild back-story

CNN places the archaeological site of Vergina in a top 10 list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with fascinating histories. In 1977, archeologists made the most important find of the 20th century below the small village of Vergina in mainland Greece. Not only was it discovered to be the ancient capital of Macedonia – Agai – which established Hellenic Greece and an empire stretching as far as the Russian Steppes, Afghanistan and the Punjab, but it was where Phillip II – father of Alexander the Great – was assassinated at the height of his powers at his daughter's wedding. Today, the ancient palace ruins, the Royal Tombs and their twinkling treasures are a must-see destination. For more info see here:

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/03/travel/unesco-global-treasures-back-stories/

'Tourism for All' is Greece's basic philosophy for tourism

Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura said that the new Ministry for Economy, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism will place particular emphasis on boosting domestic tourism through a new comprehensive strategy that will include the strengthening of special programs for social tourism, for people with disabilities and the elderly.

Year-round tourism would be a top priority for 2015. The deputy minister mentioned that development of conference and winter tourism could positively contribute towards the direction of extending the tourism season. The new tourism leadership will go beyond the “sun and sea” model that attracts mass tourism and focus on the development of special and alternative tourism forms that will give added value to Greece's regions.

Plans include the reinforcement of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the establishment of branches in new markets and the focus on the development of special and alternative tourism forms. According to Mrs. Kountoura, Greece's new tourism policy will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism sector and encourage synergies between local producers and tourism entrepreneurs. For more info see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2015/02/12/alt-minister-kountoura-outlines-priorities-for-greek-tourism/

Rodos Cup 2015, a way to explore the Dodecanese through sailing

Rodos Cup 2015, organised for the 19th time by the Offshore Yachting club of Rhodes, will take place between 18 and 24 July in the Dodecanese Islands. The aim of the event is to promote offshore sailing by uniting as many sailors as possible, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Greek Islands. With Kos as a starting point, sailors will have a chance to visit the islands of Rhodes, Tilos and Symi. To sign up to compete and find out more see: http://www.rodoscup.gr/

Mountain Running in Epirus 24-26 July

The North Face Zagori Mountain Runningevent will be held inEpiruson 24-26 July as a collaboration of North Face Zagori and the Zagori Excellence Network (ZEN). A series of 80km, 42km, 21km and 10km races will be open to nature lovers and athletes to explore the region through its scenic trails and mountain roads.

The Zagori Excellence Network (ZEN) is a private initiative comprising 14 hotels, two restaurants and two local companies. Through innovative actions, the network aims to promote the area as an all-year-round tourism destination and contribute to the sustainable growth of the local economy and community. To sign up call +30 6972244064. Website registration coming soon at: http://www.zagorirace.com/#!international-version/c7ze

'Tourism Landscapes: Remaking Greece' at the Acropolis Museum in Athens

From 27 March to 11 April, the Greek entry at the 14th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia titled will be exhibited at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. 'Tourism Landscapes: Remaking Greece' explores the role of tourism as a vehicle of modernization through the development of constructed tourism landscapes. From 1914, when the Greek National Tourism Organization was first launched, until 2014 architectural works are presented as a prerequisite for Greece's further development in the tourism industry. The archival section will present the architectural production of tourism landscapes in Greece in the last 100 years (1914-2014) and the new projects section will showcase the proposals of 15 Greek and foreign architects for the future direction of the country's tourism's architecture in the post-crisis era. For more info see here: http://www.tourismlandscapes.gr/

Elafonisi in Tripadvisor's Top 10 beaches list

For the third year in a row, travel website Tripadvisor celebrates the best beaches globally and once again Elafonisi beach was among the winners of Trip advisor's Travelers' Choice awards. The Greek beach, located in western Crete, 75 kilometres southwest of Chania, is in the 10th place among the 25 best beaches worldwide, up seven places from last year.

Travelers' Choice award-winning beaches were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period. For more info see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2015/02/19/tripadvisor-elafonissi-greece-ranks-among-top-10-best-beaches-world-2015/

Thessaloniki competes for 'InterRail Destination of the Year Award 2015′

Thessaloniki has been included in a shortlist of 15 of Europe's most-loved cities competing for the 'InterRail Destination of the Year Award 2015'. Other cities also nominated for the award are Antwerp, York, Lisbon, Zurich, Rotterdam, Ljubljana, Bologna, Leipzig, Heidelberg, Porto, Zagreb, Oslo, Valencia and Graz. Voting closes on 18 March and all participants voting will be entered in a draw for a 2nd Class InterRail Global Pass for 5 days. People can vote on InterRail's Facebook page. For more info see here: http://www.interrail.eu/interrail-destination-year-award-2015-0

Mykonos and Kalamata Airports at the top of Europe's Passenger Growth List

According to www.anna.aero's (Airline Network News and Analysis) airport report, Greece is ranked sixth among 43 countries for the highest growth in passenger numbers in 2014. Of 350 airports in over 43 European countries analysed, Greece saw a 16.9 percent increase in airport passenger numbers from 38.5 million to 45 million in 2014 compared with the same airports in 2013. Greece's Kalamata Airport recorded an impressive 73.3 percent rise and Mykonos Airport a 33 percent increase. For more info see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2015/02/19/mykonos-kalamata-airports-top-europe-passenger-growth-list/

Dinner in the sky comes to Athens

Athens has embraced the 'Dinner in the sky' experience. Set on a table 50 meters above the ground that can host up to 22 people, 'Dinner in the sky' combines unique culinary moments with the most amazing views of Athens. Guests will enjoy dishes prepared by well-known chefs with views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus hill, Thision, as well as the Saronic Gulf and Parnitha mountain as their backdrop. Bookings available until 15 April. For more info see here: http://dinnerinthesky.gr/en/

London to be introduced to Spa treatments inspired by ancient Greek practices

Anazoe Spa at Costa Navarino and the Chelsea Day Spa Boutique in London are to share unique therapy experiences. The award-winning Anazoe Spa at Costa Navarino, located in the culturally rich and naturally unspoilt Greek region of Messinia in southwest Peloponnese, has launched a partnership with the Chelsea Day Spa Boutique in London. From 10-14 March, the spa will bring a unique Mediterranean experience to London inspired by ancient Greek practices. In turn the Chelsea Day Spa Boutique therapists will be based at Anazoe Spa in the first week of September 2015 bringing a touch of London to the Peloponnese. See more at http://www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk/.

-Ends-

For further press information, please contact: Frances Tuke, Lotus UK, T: 020 7953 7470 E: frances@lotus-uk.co.uk or Panos Papadopoulos, Greek National Tourism Organisation, GNTO UK & Ireland Office, T: 020 74959311, E: media@gnto.co.uk.