East Macedonia & Thrace Region Explores Next Steps for Tourism

EVIA IP CEO Litsa Panagiotopoulou with Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki. Photo source: East Macedonia and Thrace Forum.

Bird-watching, walking, hiking and spa tourism are just some of the segments that can give the East Macedonia & Thrace region an advantage as a tourism destination, said Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki during the 1st East Macedonia & Thrace Forum held recently in Alexandroupolis, northern Greece.

Organized by the Olympia Forum in collaboration with the municipality of Alexandroupolis, Energizing Greece and Hellas Journal, the event brought together government officials, local governments and tourism stakeholder and explored the region’s tourism potential as well as actions required to diversify its tourist product.

The region should tap into alternative forms of tourism, said Zacharaki, primarily those focused on nature, gastronomy and local production.

Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki. Photo source: East Macedonia and Thrace Forum.

In this direction, Zacharaki said the ministry had provided local and regional governments with tools such as the possibility of establishing DMOs, funding options and the launch of a special label enabling tourist visits at breweries, wineries, cheese factories and olive mills.

“Special forms of tourism, such as religious, culinary, wine, and wellness tourism can provide a substantial solution to the problem of seasonality and significantly enrich the local tourism product. At the same time, conference and educational tourism can supplement the region’s offering creating dynamic prospects,” said Zacharaki.

Among others, she referred to ministry actions that have produced results, including increasing the number of cruise ship arrivals to the port of Kavala and the re-opening the Falakro ski resort in Drama. Lastly, she underlined the importance of tourism training and upskilling.