GNTO Showcases Greek Gastronomy and Attica to Romanian and Serbian Tourism Markets

Greek chefs at the event in Bucharest. Photo source: GNTO

In its efforts to promote Greece’s cultural and tourism attractions globally, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) recently introduced Romanian stakeholders to culinary traditions and showcased diverse tourism experiences to Serbian counterparts.

Specifically, as part of its communication strategy, the Greek tourism board introduced Romanian media, bloggers, and tourism professionals to the culinary traditions of Thessaly, the North Aegean Islands, and Pieria at a special event in Bucharest.

Additionally, Attica’s tourism offerings and variety of experiences were showcased to Serbian tour operators, journalists, and influencers.

Greek cuisine travels to Bucharest

During the presentation of the “Journey to Greek Gastronomy” event. Photo source: GNTO

In Bucharest, the GNTO held an event to highlight the authentic gastronomy and diverse tourist experiences available in the regions of Thessaly, the North Aegean, and Pieria, which are beloved destinations among Romanian travelers. Notably, destinations such as Pelion and Skiathos (Thessaly); the Olympic Riviera (Pieria) were showcased, alongside the introduction of Lesvos as a new destination for 2024, featuring a new charter flight from Bucharest.

The event, titled “A Journey to Greek Gastronomy”, was organized on May 15 by the GNTO’s office in Romania in collaboration with the Romanian consulting company Bilancia and the Greek Embassy.

Through presentations of Greek recipes, cooking masterclasses, and tastings, journalists, bloggers, tour operators, and tourism professionals from Romania experienced the culinary traditions of the aforementioned areas as part of Greece’s tourism product.

Tourism Deputy Governor of Thessaly, Yiannis Anastasiou, speaking to Romanian media representatives. Photo source: GNTO

During the event, experienced chefs conducted a masterclass for catering professionals, preparing recipes from each destination using local Greek products and showcasing their cooking techniques.

Following the masterclass, guests had the opportunity to sample Greek dishes and products representing the unique history, traditions, and local production of each destination.

Head of the GNTO branch in Romania, Giorgos Staphylakis, speaking to Romanian television. Photo source: GNTO

According to the GNTO, the culinary event attracted the interest of Romanian media, with five TV channels, journalists, and tourism and food bloggers reporting live from the venue.

In addition, the event was attended by notable figures such as the Tourism Deputy Governor of Thessaly, Yiannis Anastasiou, the representative of the North Aegean Region, Panagiotis Pitsios, and the President of the Hotel Association of Pieria, Iraklis Tsitlakidis.

Serbian tourism pros intrigued by Attica’s tourism offerings

Serbian representatives at the event for the promotion of Attica in the Serbian market. Photo source: GNTO

In a separate event, Serbian tourism professionals and media representatives expressed great interest in further cooperation with the GNTO and Attica to promote the region’s tourism products to the Serbian market.

This feedback followed an exclusive networking event recently held at the Greek ambassador’s residence in Belgrade, organized by the organization’s branch in Serbia.

“Representatives of the largest tour operators in Serbia, travel bloggers, influencers, and tourist journalists expressed their interest in Attica’s natural and cultural resources,” the GNTO noted.

Head of the GNTO’s office in Serbia, George Kakoutis, presenting the organization’s initiatives to promote city break tourism in Attica. Photo source: GNTO

During the event, George Kakoutis, head of the GNTO’s office in Serbia, analyzed the tourism board’s communication strategy. Additionally, tourism deputy governor Theodoros Koutsogiannopoulos and regional executives Athina Kolyva and Maria Pantelous detailed the region’s offerings.

It is noted that in a bid to boost tourism from Serbia, the GNTO had invited Serbian journalist Ivan Andrejic to Chania, Crete, during Easter. Andrejic documented his experience in the first online travel guide dedicated in the Serbian language dedicated to the city.