Key Tourism Figures 2017: Alexandros Vassilikos, President Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association

Official Tourism Message

Dear friends and colleagues,

Visitors praise Athens for its cultural treasures, its city-life and gastronomy along with its impressive Athenian Riviera and picturesque islands, ideal for daily or longer escapes.

Athens tourism is always on the move. New hotels opened in the city center and many of the existing units are going under a major refurbishment; meeting with cutting edge evolution in digital technology, eco-hospitality, and accessible tourism. Also investments in tourism sector were those that led the path for future economic growth in Athens.

Funds from around the world foresee what we always knew; Athens tourism can lead beyond the traditional city destination and become a Mediterranean hub, not only for travelers but also for entrepreneurs and investors.

Although tourist arrival numbers are still on the raise, we think that the focus of the tourism sector and State authorities must be on the aspect of sustainability and development. Setting strategies for the next decade is the only way to ensure that tourism in Athens; and Greece will be a high performing key economic sector.

Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association in co-operation with key tourism sector bodies is taking actions and initiatives for 7 consecutive years focused on the prosperity of our destination’s image and product. We are devoted to this cause.  Also won’t stop to highlight new challenges that Athens as a destination and European tourism as a whole, face.

2018 will be another year of challenges for tourism in Europe and globally. We hope quality in services and sustainable models in popular tourism destinations will attract the efforts of us all.

Destination Athens gained back positive international attention, and that’s a unique opportunity for us to “restart” and set a stepping stone for the future. Athens tourism has so many interesting aspects still to unfold and various memorable experiences to offer to its visitors.