MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)

A general consensus for the prime minister’s continued support in overcoming hurdles that continue to harm business potential in the tourism sector was the essence of the speech given by Stavros Andreadis, president of the association of Greek tourism enterprises, during the associations’ recent 15th annual general assembly.

Greece’s first Tourism and Property Show opened its doors last month for four days. The show aimed to promote Greek tourism properties by bringing together public and private businesses and investors and real estate professionals in the wider SE European area. Tourism Minister Fanni-Palli Petralia opened the show, organized by Real Travel, the first media group to become active in tourist development and real estate sectors in Greece.

If Greece wants to increase its number of incoming tourists, the country must concentrate on upgrading its 38 airports – in particular the 15 that accept international air passenger traffic – increase air links, and airports and airlines must work more closely to create a better and more seamless product for passengers.

Although some travel professionals were a bit leery about attending last month’s Tourist Panorama travel and tourism fair, the end result eliminated any fears they may have had. The 350-plus exhibitor stands were well spaced and with plenty of breathing room, and most all had constructed an attractive presentation.

Travel agents that wish to belong to the Dutch Association of Travel Agents must adhere to a specific quality guarantee system, and the Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourism Association intends to implement a similar system in Greece.

German bookings data for holidays in Greece so far this year give a mixed picture, officials said at last month’s ITB international travel show in Berlin, one of the world’s largest.

Athens must be highlighted as a tourism destination in itself and not just a transit center for visitors to other parts of the country, Tourism Development Minister Fanni Palli-Petralia and Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis agreed last month during a meeting held at the minister’s offices.

Tourism and shipping industry speakers said Greek passenger ferries and dozens of popular Aegean island ports must urgently improve if this Mediterranean country is to continue to see strong increases in tourism arrivals. At a recent press call to announce the conclusions of last month’s ‘Coastal Shipping Forum’ held in Piraeus, the speakers emphasized the need for early ship schedules.

Aspiring investors in Greece’s tourism industry will at last be able to plan their schemes with much greater certainty, as a result of the first ever investment charter, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis told the full house of tourism delegates recently.

According to the World Travel Trends Report 2006-07 the low-cost / no frill phenomenon is a major factor dictating how countries perform as leisure tourism destinations. And with the expansion of low cost airlines set to continue in 2007-08 city-break style holidays will continue to stimulate tourism between European cities.