Philoxenia 2005: Gerasimos Fokas, President, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels

Gerasimos Fokas, President, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels

Cooperation between the private sector and government proved a boon with the successful organization of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. This year’s tourism picture shows that Greece has now entered a new era. The Greek tourism sector had the red carpet of opportunity laid before it and appears to have used it properly.

And although the Games strengthened our image abroad, and once more Greece has gained the reputation of being an ideal tourism destination, we cannot stand on our laurels. It is now up to us to work fervently in order to keep this reputation and positive image alive and within the forefront of the traveler’s mind.

This can be easily done through a continuation of the same friendly, professional and high quality services extended to visitors who were here for the Games, as well as through mutual cooperation, public and private sector cooperation and through appropriate promotional and advertising activities abroad.

As an initial step in this process, let us use our international tourism fair, Philoxenia, as a steppingstone to keep this fresh new image of Greece fully alive in minds and souls of all visitors.