Athens Trade Chamber Talks With Mayor on City Upgrade

Syntagma Square, Athens © Maria Theofanopoulou

Making the most out of the tourism season ahead and ways to resolve pending issues topped the agenda of talks between the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen and the city’s mayor Giorgos Kaminis this week.

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis and Athens Chamber of Tradesmen president Yiannis Chatzitheodosiou.

In view of increasing traveler flows and aiming to improve the conditions of the city center for professionals, residents and travelers, the chamber presented Kaminis with its recommendations for the smooth operation of their establishments and for an enhanced travel experience.

Proposals included the creation of an open-air shopping district aimed at tourists visiting the Greek capital and run cooperatively by residents and entrepreneurs which will later be applied to other areas and designating an area which will include Filellinon – Ermou – Agion Asomaton Square – Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian walkways.

Moreover, the trade chamber also proposed the putting up or improving relevant signage which will welcome, guide and inform visitors while creating a “brand” of the area; setting up info kiosks at three key tourist points: Monastiraki, Syntagma and Agia Ekaterini squares; offering free Wi-Fi access throughout the given area; and arranging promotional events and happenings around the year in collaboration with the area’s trade bodies.

The goal, according to the chamber, is to enhance the “Athens experience” while boosting revenue and strengthening the economy.