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Ever larger numbers of Greek hoteliers have invested heavily in conference facilities over the past years. So far, the investment has paid off. Expenses have been covered royally as income from conference organization is substantial.

This year, a substantial number of Greek holidaymakers headed for the mountains during the peak July-August vacation period instead of heading for the beaches. “An increase in mountain tourism has been seen in the past few years, even during the summer months,” says Thimios Apostolopoulos, head of the Hellenic Tourism Organization’s section for room and apartment rentals.

In less than two years, Crete-based Minoan Lines plans to accept delivery of at least seven new fast-ferry vessels. A number of these vessels are slated for routes to European ports, while others will replace older vessels on basic Greek routes.

The Mediterranean now attracts some 15 percent of world cruise passengers, according to recent data from the Cruise Lines International Association. The prime source for cruise passengers continues to be North Americans, with some six million estimated for this year, or about 80% of the world’s cruising clients. For the next several years, the association predicts an approximate increase of nine percent annually.

As of this summer, the Star Flyer, a tall sailing cruise ship, runs a cruise from Piraeus every Saturday to the islands of Mykonos, Chios, Kusadasi, Patmos, Sifnos and Kea. Its alternate program includes the islands of Hydra, Santorini, Rodos, Bodrum and Paros.

World Tourism Day, September 27, concentrates on the two challenges for tourism at the dawn of the twenty-first century, technology and nature. The creator of the annual event, the World Tourism Organization, says “as we enter the twenty-first century, the world will be increasingly characterized by the penetration of technology in all aspects of our life. In this respect, tourism is inevitably becoming an essential user of the main innovative technologies.”

The Thessaloniki Convention & Visitors Bureau has just released a 12-page brochure that lists information on how best to organize a conference in the northern port city.

The Milos Conference Centre George Eliopoulos, founded by Kitty Kyriacopoulou, chairperson of the mining company Argyro and Barytinis, was officially opened last month by the deputy minister for foreign affairs, Elizabeth Papazois.

Dining out at Delphi can be a truly gratifying experience now that the area hosts the new, innovative Epicuros. This restaurant created by Babis and Maria Kourelis of the Hotel Acropole Delphi, not only serves delectable dishes, but also it offers an atmosphere second-to-none in the area. The view from a veranda table is breathtaking.

The largest Greek-flagged catamaran yacht was officially presented for the first time last month at the Palio Faliro Yacht Club. Christened Neptune, the vessel ranks eighth in the world, and is unique in its class in the Mediterranean.