General Events & Happenings

As a result of the renewed interest in religious tourism, and in particular history of Apostle Paul in Greece, the neglected archaeological site of Corinth will receive the official attention it deserves as part of a religious tourism program developed by the 21st Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.

Grecotel Olympia Riviera Resort has brought sand sculpting to Greece for the first time this summer. The resort located in Killini, on the west coast of Peloponnisos has invited artists from the World Sand Sculpture Academy (WSSA) in Holland to create sculptures and provide workshops for hotel guests.

Every weekend last month, tourists, travelers and locals had the opportunity to experience a unique side of the Argolida area as this year’s month-long 8th annual Epidavros Agro-tourism Festival showcased the traditions and products of Argolida Prefecture.

Last month, delegates from China’s Shaanxi province stopped in Athens to promote their province to Greek travel agents and tourists. Dong Xianmin, director of Shaanxi Provincial Tourism Administration, encouraged Greeks to visit Shaanxi to tour the sites and relax, or to explore investment and collaboration opportunities. “Shaanxi Province is a well-known tourist destination,” said Mr. Xianmin, “with a time-honored history and rich cultural relics.”

The human factor and the growth of tourism and shipping, two key aspects of the Greek economy, was the focus of IST/University of Hertfordshire’s meeting last month. Professors Haris Kokkosis and Ioannis Tzoannos, each representing the ministry’s they work for, pointed out the significance of human resources for these two industries to develop, and the need for training programs such as those offered at IST.

A positive atmosphere and lively crowd characterized Monogram Travel’s successful weekend retreat for its staff held in Vrahati, Corinth. “Monogram employees are the key to the company’s success,” said Monogram President Dimitris Spyropoulos.

With numerous successes under its belt in organizing boat races, the island of Corfu once again took on the task of organizing and presenting the Panhellenic Inflatable Boat Races last month.

The First Aegean Airlines Pro-Am Golf Tournament will take place June 2-4 at the Crete Golf Club in Hersonissos, an 18-hole championship course designed by Bob Hunt of PGA DC in Great Britain.

Six different thematic units, 152 events totaling 17.5 million euros, three international conferences and one large pan-European meeting of amateur and young artists will make up the program of events for Patras 2006: European Capital of Culture.

Athens is about to bloom and blossom in colors and art that promises to please the eye. This summer, Athenians and visitors to the capital will see more than 75 artistic and colorful cows “graze” around the city’s streets and parks.