Greece Looks to Promote Patra as Ideal City Break Destination

Patra, Greece’s third-largest city and the regional capital of Western Greece, has all the features needed to emerge as an attractive destination for city break tourism, according to Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou.

Speaking virtually during an event held in Patra, the GNTO’s president presented data highlighting Patra’s big potential as a city break tourism destination for international travelers. She referred in detail to the comparative advantages of both the city and the Region of Western Greece, which include cultural and religious sites, a very unique carnival, interesting architecture and industrial heritage and renowned local products and gastronomy.

Patra is known for its very lively carnival. Photo source: Patras Carnival official website (carnivalpatras.gr)

“Patra is a particularly lively student city with an internationally recognized and active academic community… It’s a city that now attracts the attention of start ups and can also develop into a destination for digital nomads,” she said.

Patra to be promoted via ‘Greekend’ campaign

Gerekou then announced that Patra will be the next destination promoted in the GNTO’s upcoming “Greekend” campaign. Launched in 2022, the “Greekend” campaigns promote destinations for city breaks across Greece. Having kicked off with Athens and Thessaloniki in the spotlight, the campaign’s next focus will be Patra and Heraklion.  The “Greekend” drive  is part the GNTO’s main campaign “All you want is Greece”.

Moreover, the GNTO’s president invited the city’s regional and municipal authorities to cooperate more closely with the GNTO in order for Patra to receive a more effective promotion to international markets.

The event in Patra was organized by local newspaper Gnomi in collaboration with the Region of Western Greece and saw the attendance of regional and local authorities as well as representatives of the academic and business community of the city.

Patra is in the northern Peloponnese, 215 km west of Athens.