Yiannis Evangelou

President,
Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourism Agents

Philoxenia 2005 greeting.

Tourism movement to Greece was positive this year, especially after the first half, and initial indications for next year are very good. However, we must, on both a national and local level, ensure this tourism increase continues at a steady pace keeping in mind the strong international competitive environment.

Quality improvement and differentiation of our tourism product must be the building blocks for all in the tourism sector. Within this framework, we salute this year’s initiative of Philoxenia to promote conference tourism. This sector of tourism is aimed at high-income earners and demands a high level of quality of services and infrastructure. And, keeping in mind that conferences are the main benefits after the holding of the Olympic Games, we have not done as much as we should have to develop, promote and advertise conference tourism.

Concerning our tourism product in general, and especially with regards to travel offices, I would stress that their role could and must be particularly important in the creation, advertising and promotion of new, enticing tourism packages for both our new and classical markets: High quality packages that are distinctive.

We, the Greek travel agents, must give emphasis to the newly created tourism face of Greece with the enrichment of our tourism product as it’s from our efforts that comes not only the tourism development of our country but also our own survival and development – efforts, of course, that must be supported in every way by the state.