ITB Berlin: Attica Region to Focus on Winning Over More Tourists

Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis and Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias at the Greek stand at ITB Berlin. Photo source: Region of Attica

Rebranding should be the next step to establish the Attica Region as a leading tourist destination, said Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias, who was in Berlin this week attending the ITB travel and tourism fair.

Hardalias said actions should focus on the region’s vast potential and on identifying the reasons why travelers spend less time there. Speaking to journalists at ITB, Hardalias said the top priority would be to increase the number of overnight stays in Athens and visitor spending, and to extend the tourist season.

Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias at the Region of Attica stand at ITB Berlin. Photo source: Region of Attica

“Attica wants to be a protagonist in the coming years,” he said, adding that in this direction the region would be participating in international events and fairs, opening up to new markets, and formulating a sustainability-centered strategy showcasing the dozens of tourist options available.

In addition to Athens and the Athenian Riviera, the Attica Region includes the Saronic Islands and Kythira.

Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Region of Attica

Hardalias went on to add that the region was accelerating infrastructure upgrades and that by summer it would be presenting a comprehensive tourism strategy for Attica centered around its cultural offering with specific timelines and funding sources.

“We have the potential to invest in tourism producing results; every euro we spend however should deliver multiple results for Attica’s GDP and the national economy,” he said.