Dimitrios Mantousis

President,
Macedonia-Thrace Travel Agencies Association

Philoxenia 2007 greeting.

We salute the top tourism exhibition in Greece that substantially reinforces, for a second-year-running, the institution of predetermined meetings between exhibitors and selected tourism professionals from abroad (hosted buyers). With the end of the summer season comes a breeze of optimism for Greek tourism and all the evidence indicates an increase for yet another year.

The only “heavy industry” of our country, which contributes to approximately 20 percent of the Greek gross national product, is starting to take action and its forearm is extended even higher. The benefits of the post-Olympic era are now visible and the next target is the restructuring of a dynamic tourism conscience so as to render our country a twelve-month destination.

Beyond the established and priceless “sea and sun” product that our country offered to the utmost for its tourism industry we must promote and develop new types of tourism: agritourism, well-being, conference, sightseeing, religious, gastronomic and city breaks.

The travel culture changes worldwide and Greece must take advantage of these new trends in the most effective manner. Quality must preside over all tourism activity and be aimed at every visitor with the securing of a friendly, clean and safe tourism environment.

Greece can offer many choices and target a vast array of markets with specific demands and interests.