Faith Tourism Tops Athens Workshop Agenda

Lykavittos Hill, Athens. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

Athens’ ecclesiastical monuments and sites of religious interest and how these can serve as main attractions for tourists keen on learning more about Greek culture were the focus of a workshop on the “Promotion of Church Heritage and the Development of Religious Tourism” held in Athens on Friday.

Monastiraki, Athens. Photo © Bojan S, Shutterstock

Organized by the Archdiocese of Athens, the day event explored ways to set up a digital experiential museum, a virtual online museum and a specialized digital platform for the management of religious destinations, with the aim of promoting ecclesiastical cultural heritage and religious tourism both in Greece and abroad.

“The ecclesiastical and religious monuments of Athens — true treasures, witnesses of different eras, styles and artists — are an integral part of Greek heritage, of great historical and cultural significance,” Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis said during the event.

“With its wealth of ecclesiastical monuments and sites, Greece could become one of the world’s leading religious tourism destinations.”

The mayor added that the municipal authority hails the efforts of the Archdiocese, and pledged his support for future actions as well as for further cooperation.

“Our main priorities are initiatives and innovation that aim to enhance Athens’ presence as an independent destination on the international market,” he said.