Athens Classic Marathon Expo 2009

At least 20 foreign tour operators and travel agencies that specialize in sports tourism packages are expected at the exhibition to explore the Greek market for next year’s marathon (31 October 2010).

The third Athens Classic Marathon Expo, which focuses on running, lifestyle, sports and tourism, health and fitness, is the perfect opportunity to promote Greece as a sports tourism destination, said the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) that is organizing the event.

“Our aim is for the event to be recognized as the primary annual sports tourism exhibition in Greece,” the federation said.

The Athens Classic Marathon Expo 2009 will be held this year on 6-7 November at the Zappeion Exhibition and Conference Center prior to the 27th Athens Classic Marathon scheduled for Sunday, 8 November.

The exhibition is expected to attract some 22,000 Greek visitors and 7,000 foreign athletic tourists  (runners and their relatives) and offer them the opportunity to get acquainted with products and services that promote sport tourism in Greece.

Exhibitors will include international marathon organizers, travel agencies, foreign athletic tourism agencies, tourism departments of Greek prefectural authorities, and other organizations in the areas of sport, tourism and health.

The exhibition is held under the support of the Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization. A GNTO stand will be present at the event to provide useful information to Greek and foreign athletic tourists and sport fans.