South Aegean Region Aims to Build Upon Tourism Success of 2017

Andros Island. Photo Source: http://likenoother.aegeanislands.gr

Revised promotional plans, far-reaching media strategies, participation in international travel and tourism events, investments in infrastructure upgrades continue to form the South Aegean Region’s tourism policy for the year ahead.

Besides its award-winning “Aegean Islands. Like No Other” campaign, regional authorities have been working hard to showcase the islands, introduce new destinations, and promote alternative forms of tourism including the focus on Aegean cuisine and gastronomy. At the same time, the region has focused efforts on restoring the islands’ reputation, which was in many cases damaged due to media reports of the refugee crisis.

The three-year tourism development strategy, drawn up in collaboration with the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) and Marketing Greece, included for 2017 participation in a number of international trade shows including WTM London, ΙΤΒ Berlin, Tour Natur Dusseldorf and MITT Moscow, where it was awarded as the Best Regional Destination.

Karpathos Island. Photo Source: http://likenoother.aegeanislands.gr

In the meantime, an influential Interactive Digital Platform Campaign showcased all 41 of the South Aegean islands and their individual offerings. The campaign’s results included some 150 million social media impressions.

“Thanks to the three-year strategic tourism plan, we have moved into the digital era, implementing innovative actions to enhance the region’s reputation and increase tourism flows. Our efforts have been fruitful, and in 2017 the South Aegean Region became a champion in the field of tourism,” said Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Marietta Papavasiliou.