Destinations

The Cyclades holds the first place throughout Europe for the internationally known ‘sun and sea’ elements but so many other essentials compose the group that are unknown to most, according to the island group’s Prefect Dimitris Bailas.

Greece this year was awarded blue flags for 425 beaches and eight marinas, according to a recent announcement by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. Last year 430 Greek beaches were awarded blue flags.

Greece was once again amongst the grand prize winners that received the “European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/ Europa Nostra Award” for 2009 at the award ceremony that took place last month at the Teatro Antico in Taormina, Sicily (Italy).

Lesvos Island received the award for top sustainable tourism destination in Greece for 2009 in the European Commission’s third “European Destinations of Excellence” (EDEN) project.

New online guide “Visit Kythera” is intended to become the main tool of the island’s local economy, according to the creators of the website.

A group of Austrians, composed by GNTO representatives, Austrian journalists and tour operators were recently given the “inside story” of Kythera through a familiarization tour that took place last month on the island.

The tourism ministry recently announced the launch of an extensive advertising campaign for the promotion of Athens set for May and June that includes a series of actions and events to take place in the U.S. and Europe.

The Messinia Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently signed an agreement with the Messinia Prefecture and the Municipality of Kalamata for the operation of a Conference and Visitors Bureau in Kalamata for the promotion of conference tourism.

The Municipality of Prespes is making efforts to simplify access to the region in an effort to attract more tourists to the Transboundary Prespa Park.

Mayor of Skopelos Christos Vasiloudis recently expressed his optimism for 2009 as he expects a 10-15 percent rise in arrivals.