Greece @ ITB Berlin 2018 – Photo Report by GTP Headlines

For five days, Greece exhibited its tourism offerings at the ITB Berlin in Germany, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. ITB Berlin 2018 took place between March 7-11.

Aiming to get the word out on Greek tourism, the country introduced its destinations, hospitality products, travel deals and gastronomy to tourism professionals from all over the world and German visitors. According to current figures revealed during the trade show, some four million Germans are expected to visit Greece this year.

Greek regions, hotels, travel agencies and tour operators exhibited their tourism products as co-exhibitors at the Greek National tourism Organization’s (GNTO) stand in Hall 1.1/101, 101A.

During the first three days of ITB, the Greek stand was buzzing with business negotiations for travel and tourism deals between Greek exhibitors and trade professionals. On the weekend, the German public visited the Greek stand to explore the huge variety of holiday and travel options on offer in Greece.

One thing is for sure: Greece is among the most popular destination for Germans this summer. “Greece is back and the country is going to be one of the most important destinations in the German source market,” the president of the German Travel Association (DRV), Norbert Fiebig, told GTP Headlines on the sidelines of the ITB Berlin 2018.

Following are statements of Greek tourism figures and travel professionals made to GTP Headlines during ITB 2018, concerning the German market.

Statements @ ITB 2018

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura: “German tourists love us, our story, our culture and what Greece has to offer. They are loyal and repeat visitors. They are constantly growing and we are among their first holiday destination preferences. They are among the best ambassadors for Greece.”

GNTO VP Aggeliki Chondromatidou: “I would like to thank our German friends for supporting us over the years and also let them know that Greece is now launching 365 days a year authentic travel experiences ‘starring’ the renowned Greek hospitality. We are also offering new options combined with island experiences, as well as winter experiences. We invite the Germans to come and live new experiences in Greece.”

Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Yiannis Retsos: “The Germans traditionally loved Greece and its destinations and this also shows from the high demand the country has this year. They should be certain that this year we will do all we can to show Greek tourism’s best face.”

Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) President Grigoris Tasios: “Greece is a proven safe and hospitable destination and of course the Greeks have understood how important Greek tourism is for the economy and every year improve their services more and more with their willingness to invest in the sector.”

Central Macedonia Vice Governor for Tourism & Culture Alexandros Thanos: “Tourism in Greece is its people and its “philoxenia” (hospitality). We await our German visitors with open arms.”

Ionian Islands Region Vice Governor of Tourism & Promotion Spyros Galiatsatos: “I advise Greece’s professionals to ensure top notch services for our visitors. I advise restaurant owners to show respect to those they serve, as they were serving their children. I advise taxi drivers to drive professionally, as if they were transferring their children. I advise hoteliers to show the best hospitality, as if they were hosting their parents, relatives or friends. I advise all professionals to do their job even better than they did last year. The role of the human factor is Greek tourism’s advantage.”

Epirus Region Tourism Department Representative Ilias Gartzonikas: “The Greeks have always been multicultural. They love and respect people from all over the world. We are waiting to welcome our German guests to experience the famous Greek ‘philoxenia’ (hospitality).”

North Aegean Region Aggeliki Polytaki: “German travelers should know that what is special about the islands of the North Aegean (Samos, Lesvos, Chios, Limnos, Ikaria) is that they have retained their authenticity… These islands are destinations that can offer experiential tourism: trekking, cycling, sailing, bird watching, food tasting and more. The North Aegean islands are ideal for an audience seeking for different things to experience during summer holidays. Alternative tourism and nature activities are among the interests of German tourists. They will feel right at home here.”

Thessaloniki Tourism Organization President Voula Patoulidou: “The beauties of Greece enchant and captivate visitors. Our German friends will want to be a part of them.”

Marketing Greece CEO Ioanna Dretta: “The German market has always been in the center of the attention of Marketing Greece. The very positive mood and messages we are receiving at the ITB expo reinforce that we are looking forward to a great year.”

Celestyal Cruises PR Director Froso Zaroulea: “German travelers traditionally visit Greece and I invite them to experience a Greek cruise. They won’t be sorry!”

Argo Travel Sales & Marketing Group Director Stratis Voursoukis: “Greek tourism is this year’s ‘big thing’ in Europe. We invite the Germans to be a part of this.”

Bluegr Hotels & Resorts Marketing & Communication Manager Katerina Mamidaki: “We are ready to welcome our German guests. We guarantee them a great time in Greece.”

Minister Kountoura tours Greek stand @ ITB Berlin 2018

During the ITB 2018 expo, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura visited the stands of co-exhibitors at the Greek stand and attended events held by the country’s regions.