Lysandros Tsilidis, President Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies

Philoxenia 2014 greeting.

Much has been said this year about Greek tourism, both in Greece and abroad.

Greece is among travelers’ top destination selections in the international tourism market.

The above-mentioned data is the result of hard work carried out by all tourism professionals and especially by the Greek travel agencies.

The travel agency sector, which is represented by HATTA, is the producer and distribution network of the tourism product. It focuses on promoting the tourism product to the national and international tourism market. It is a focal point in the tourism chain and directs international tourism to our country.

Representatives of travel agencies have not stopped promoting our country around the world, on their own budgets.

I believe that the primary goal for Greek tourism should be to extend our tourism period through actions that will differentiate and enrich our offers and to enter international tourism markets.

HATTA is already taking action and:
– is creating connections with established and new tourism markets by organizing fam trips, road shows and events so that foreign tour operators can visit our country. Promotion will first be aimed at Attica and Thessaloniki as well as the winter destinations.
– takes part in international tourism exhibitions with its own stand for its members and collaborators.
– creates new tourism products, such as the HATTA–OAKA collaboration “Olympic Legends,” through which tourists will be able to participate in Olympic Sports and feel the Olympic spirit, the honorary awards, the teamwork and also come in contact with the Greek language.
– certifies its members with European specifications.

I believe that this way we will be able to extend the tourism period and establish Greece as a 12-month destination.

We should also aim for the promotion of our country as a quality tourism destination, one with remarkable sites, events and offered services, so that we can attract high-end tourists who will not limit themselves to the all inclusive product but discover the country and boost the local economies.