Attica Region Reaches Out to UAE for Cooperation in Luxury Tourism

Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias during a meeting with Dubai Mayor Dawood Abdul Rahman Al Hajri. Photo source: Attica Region

Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias said efforts were being made to work together with United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities for the promotion of luxury and yachting tourism.

Hardalias announced the news in an interview to the Emirates News Agency following the region’s participation in this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

The two countries agreed to work together on the development of luxury tourism with a focus on yachting. UAE entrepreneurs said there was a growing interest by Middle Eastern investors looking for opportunities in tourism on the Athenian Riviera.

“Before us we have a wide range of synergies, beneficial for both sides. Currently the investment at Ellinikon, which will radically change the Athenian Riviera, is progressing at a rapid pace,” he said.

Hardalias went on to add that the coastal front and the islands of Attica were a main priority for the region as was the upgrade of major Attica and nearby island ports and marinas.

The Greek delegation with UAE officials in Dubai. Photo source: Attica Region

Hardalias said the move comes as part of the region’s strategy to open up to new markets and enhance the tourism offering.

During Hardalias’ meetings in Dubai on the sidelines of ATM, he presented local stakeholders with investment opportunities available in Attica and the wider Athens area. He also presented the wide range of year-round tourism products in the region and highlighted Athens’ strong reputation as a leading city break destination.

Hardalias’s agenda included meetings with Rajeev S. Patil, the Senior Vice President of International Operations at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Dawood Abdul Rahman Al Hajri, Mayor of Dubai; and Ibrahim Ghanim, Emirates Area Manager for Greece

During ATM, the regional authority held more than 40 B2B meetings with leading tour operators and tourism business owners from the UAE, China, Oman, India, and Saudi Arabia.

Hardalias said the region was “investing in extroversion, restructuring and further strengthening Attica’s brand name”.