Op-Ed: ‘The Greek Meetings Industry is Looking Forward to In-person Events’ – Irene Tolis

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) has provided a podium for Greece’s key tourism figures to share their vision for the day after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All forms of MICE tourism have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the short- and long-term. There has been a decrease in events turnover, in the number of conferences and events, in business travel and in the frequency of corporate events. The format of the business has now changed, while the electronic element became a vital part of the past and will continue for the future.

We must point out that the Greek Meetings Industry reacted and adapted fast to the unprecedented challenges by using the new technologies available as well as through transforming in-person events to virtual.

Yet, a great majority of events has been postponed for future dates with grave consequences for the national Meetings Industry and the Greek economy.

In any case, it must be stated that our country is a positive case study on the response to the impacts of the pandemic as well as the safe organization of hybrid events.

HAPCO & DES fully supports the re-opening of in-person events and encourages safe travelling, as this creates a complete experience for conference attendees and of course contributes to the recovery of the Greek economy.

It is difficult to predict what will happen beyond this summer since there is no clear picture of how and when airlines will resume flights to pre-Covid levels and when larger events will be allowed again.

However, on our end, we are making a great effort towards a fast recovery and the reactivation of our Industry. This can be achieved through the immediate implementation of health protocols for meetings and events applicable for at least one year; by reducing VAT for 2021 in all services; by promoting our country worldwide as a safe destination to host events; and by launching a common strategy with relevant ministries and authorities to upgrade the BRAND Greece worldwide.

Greek Tourism professionals look to the future with optimism, as we rely on the unique assets of our country, which have actually not been used to our Industry’s benefit. We are looking forward to the strong support from our government.

I am positive that the value of the Greek Meetings Industry will prevail over this crisis and will soon resume its ascending course.”

* This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) annual printed edition for 2021. Press here for more information.