Detrop 2023 Expo: Greece Should Focus on Olive Tourism Potential

Coordinated efforts to bring olive oil producers under one roof and targeted promotional actions are crucial if Greece and the Peloponnese Region want to develop a special interest tourism product related to olive oil and its products, according to findings presented during the International Detrop 2023 Food & Beverage Exhibition held in Thessaloniki at the HELEXPO Center last month.

Addressing the “Golden Olive Expo”, Peloponnese Tourism Organization (PTO) President Konstantinos Marinakos spoke about the great potential of developing a special interest tourism product that focuses on olive oil and developing it into a dynamic travel trend.

“The experiences can include agritourism, wine tasting, visits to olive oil mills, themed treks, all offering a different journey into on our national product,” said Marinakos, who is also assistant professor at the University of West Attica.

Peloponnese Tourism Organization (PTO) President Konstantinos Marinakos speaking at the expo. Photo source: Detrop Expo.

According to Marinakos, actions in this direction should focus on bringing together producers, coordinating public and private entities active in olive oil production and products, and lastly, creating clusters which will include all stakeholders involved such as government agencies, trade associations (olive growers, olive mill operators), tour operators, tourist entrepreneurs, research institutions, tourist and cultural organizations and agencies.

A next step would be to ensure PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labeling of products, which guarantee added value, said Marinakos.

Photo source: Detrop Expo.

Last year, the tourism and agriculture ministries announced the creation of a  special legal framework that make olive mill visits possible for tourists in addition to cheese factory and brewery visits.

The “Golden Olive Expo” was jointly organized by HELEXPO SA and the Olive Oil & Olive Friends Club “Filaios” with the support of the University of West Attica. During the event, guests had the chance to sample Greek olive oils and products, learn about food pairing and the latest trends in olive oil production. An award ceremony followed.