Greece to Showcase Sustainability at WTM London 2023 Expo

Greece is expected to once again have a high profile at World Travel Market (WTM) London, as the Greek Tourism Ministry and Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) plan to showcase their ambitious sustainability plans for the country.

The world’s most influential travel & tourism event, WTM London will run this year during November 6-8 at the ExCeL London venue.

Adding to the significance of Greece’s participation, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni will be in attendance to actively promote the destination and attend the Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market, held in association with UNWTO and WTTC, on Monday, November 6.

Also on Monday, the minister will join the GNTO press conference in the International Media Centre to address an audience of journalists. The press conference will serve as an opportunity to unveil significant developments on Greece’s multifaceted commitment to sustainability, tourism priorities, trade advancements, diversity strategies, and accessibility projects.

On Tuesday, November 7, delegates will have the opportunity to explore the destination’s sustainability plans in more depth, as the 72 exhibitors at the GNTO’s stand – including Greek regions, hoteliers, associations, start-up companies, travel agents, DMCs and airlines – will be showcasing their own eco-credentials through a series of short videos as part of a ‘Sustainability Marathon’.

GNTO press conference during WTM London 2022.

On the same day, the GNTO will hold a panel discussion in the International Media Centre on Women in Business in Greece.

Furthermore, the Greek tourism minister will be able to talk about diversity, equality, and accessibility in tourism. One key accessibility project is the development of Seatrac, which enables wheelchair users to swim in the sea at 280 beaches in Greece.

Greece supports WTM’s ‘Power to Change’ campaign

According to the organizer of World Travel Market, Greece’s sustainability efforts will bolster WTM’s ‘Power to Change’ campaign, which highlights positive tourism initiatives around the world. Last year, the GNTO unveiled its sustainability hub – SustainableGreece.co.uk – to shine a light on “incredible” initiatives, ranging from renewable energy and electric vehicles to cutting out single-use plastics.

“Greece is happy to support the Power to Change campaign, emphasising the critical challenges destinations face due to climate change,” said Eleni Skarveli, Director of the GNTO UK & Ireland Office.

The SustainableGreece.co.uk platform serves as a valuable tool for the British trade to discover Greece’s sustainable best practices and initiatives.

Eleni Skarveli, Director of the GNTO UK & Ireland Office, presenting the SustainableGreece.co.uk platform at WTM London 2022.

“The bell has rung many times, and it is in our hands to drastically encourage meaningful collaborations and partnerships towards a sustainable travel industry,” Skarveli said.

According to Skarveli, the challenges of heatwaves and forest fires showed the importance of finding solutions to the climate crisis.

She highlighted how mainstream tour operators had expanded their capacity and extended the tourism season – while smaller specialists are helping to open up smaller islands that can be reached via flights to larger destinations such as Rhodes and Kos.

Greece continues partnership with WTM London

Moreover, the GNTO once again has renewed the sponsorship of the International Media Centre at the WTM London expo.

“I am thrilled that Greece will again sponsor our International Media Centre, especially as pioneering sustainability initiatives play such a vital part in its marketing,” Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said.

“The GNTO has seen great returns from its previous sponsorship of the media centre at WTM London so we’re excited that it will again play a key role and amplify our ‘Power to Change’ messages.

“Having such a high profile among the world’s established trade and consumer journalists and top social media influencers, is essential for the Greek tourism trade to exchange ideas and drive innovation.”

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London.