Conference Tourism Remains Strong

Ellene Tratras, the Greek-Amercian university associate professor that brings the International Flavor Conference to Greece, welcomes delegates to the Porto Paros.

Ever larger numbers of Greek hoteliers have invested heavily in conference facilities over the past years. So far, the investment has paid off. Expenses have been covered royally as income from conference organization is substantial.

As well, conferences have proven to ensure a high percentage of overnights by up-market visitors.  And while Rodos, Crete and Kos pick up the lion’s share since they boast the larger Greek conference centers, smaller Greek destinations do well with comparatively small congresses.

On Paros, for example, the island’s Porto Paros recently hosted the 10th International Conference on Flavors and Food Chemistry, which was sponsored by the American Chemical Society.

Athina Papavasiliou, who organized the conference on behalf of Zorbas Summer Travel Agency, says this year’s conference welcomed some 150 delegates from 17 countries.

Ellene Tratras, associate dean and professor of chemistry at Eastern Michigan University, coordinated the congress with Zorbas. She said the congress is organized every two to three years on one of the Greek islands. So far, eight of the 10 conferences have been held on a Greek island.