Central Greece Unveils Strategic Tourism Promotion Program for 2025

Photo source: Visit Central Greece

The Region of Central Greece is set to launch a new tourism promotion program in 2025, designed to align with global tourism trends and enhance its profile as a key destination.

The new program will consist of a series of dynamic, ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the region’s tourism profile, complemented by key projects aimed at further boosting tourism and economic development.

Recently approved by the regional council of Central Greece, the program will be supported by a budget of 617,000 euros. It will promote the region’s rich tourism offerings, including its cultural heritage, gastronomy, and a wide range of alternative and sporting activities. These offerings will be tailored to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and international visitors.

Fani Papathoma, Deputy Governor for Tourism and Culture of Central Greece, emphasized that the program is the result of close collaboration between regional authorities and professionals in the tourism industry.

“As a popular destination, Central Greece must continually adapt to global and domestic tourism trends,” said Papathoma. “It is essential to promote the region’s advantages, leverage tourism data, and align our offerings with the evolving desires and activities of our visitors.”

Key activities in the program

Photo source: Central Greece Region

The tourism promotion program will include participation in major tourism exhibitions, where local products and experiences will be showcased to both Greek and international tourism professionals, influencers, and the general public.

Additional activities will include familiarization trips for journalists, continuous updates to the region’s website, and targeted advertising campaigns both within Greece and abroad. The region will also invest in the development and enhancement of tourism-related applications.

The new program is part of the broader Tourism Strategic Plan for Central Greece and aligns with the national strategy for promoting Greece as a premier global tourist destination. The program also incorporate insights from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), ensuring that the program is data-driven and reflective of the latest trends in tourism.

Impressive tourism growth in Central Greece

According to data from the regional authority, Central Greece, which includes destinations such as Delphi, Arachova, Evia and Karpenisi, has already demonstrated significant tourism growth in recent years, outpacing national trends. Despite a marginal 0.01 percent decline in international airport arrivals to Greece between 2019 and 2022, Central Greece saw an 8 percent increase in arrivals during the same period.

Moreover, while the average spend per visitor in Greece rose by 14 percent between 2019 and 2022, Central Greece experienced a substantial 57 percent increase, from 265 euros per visitor in 2019 to 416 euros in 2022.

In terms of overnight stays, the region has also shown impressive growth. While the national average for overnight stays in Greece increased by 9 percent in 2022, Central Greece recorded a remarkable 30 percent increase, with the average number of nights spent rising from 4.4 in 2019 to 5.7 in 2022.