ETC Athens Event Casts Spotlight on Greece and Attica

European Travel Commission’s (ETC) members with GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis (center) in Athens. Photo source: GNTO

Athens and Attica came into the spotlight during the European Travel Commission’s (ETC) annual “Market Intelligence Group (MIG) and Marketing Group” meeting held in the Greek capital last week.

ETC members and partners from Austria, San Marino, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Monaco, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Finland participated in the 9^th ETC event focusing on “Pioneering Accessible and Climate-Friendly Destinations” held with the support of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), which is one of the ETC’s 19 founding members.

Issues discussed included sustainability, climate change and its impact on tourism, and accessibility in tourism. The event included the exchange of knowhow, a workshop, and a technical visit to the Attica Botanical Park.

GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis speaking during ETC’s “Market Intelligence Group (MIG) and Marketing Group” meeting. Photo source: GNTO

The Greek Tourism Ministry supports actions that encourage “meaningful networking between EU member states in tourism,” said Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni via video call. She went on to add that “digitalization and strong partnerships help competitiveness and contribute to the success of the European tourism industry. Cooperation is crucial for the adaptation of policies aimed at the development of sustainable tourism in Europe and especially in maritime zones”. The minister also referred to the climate crisis noting that the “main goal is to find solutions”.

Launching the event, GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis referred to Greece’s “pioneering role” in the European tourism industry. He went on to add that the ETC’s annual meeting, held in Athens for the first time, was a great success, recording the largest participation to date.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni speaking during ETC’s meeting. Photo source: GNTO

Also addressing the event via video call was GNTO President Angela Gerekou, who underlined the importance of sustainability and of “striking a balance between promoting tourism and preserving our natural and cultural heritage”.

Lastly, Executive Director and CEO at the European Travel Commission Eduardo Santander expressed his appreciation to the GNTO for organizing and hosting the event. “Athens provided a fantastic setting to delve deeper into the research and marketing agenda for 2024 with a resolute focus on sustainability and accessibility for all. We also engaged with the pressing effects of climate change on tourism in Europe and the promotion of responsible travel practices, drawing inspiration from successful strategies across the continent,” he said.