Athens, December 10 – The Region of Western Greece made a substantial contribution to the 12th Athens International Tourism & Culture Expo, which took place from December 8 to 10 at the Zappeion Mansion. The event, a pivotal international tourism and culture institution in Greece, annually serves as a benchmark for industry professionals, enhancing the global outreach of Greek tourism and fostering collaborations among exhibitors, hosted buyers, and visitors.
Western Greece’s Dynamic Presence and Strategic Meetings
The Region’s dynamic presence, featuring its dedicated booth, provided an opportunity to highlight the comparative advantages and unique characteristics of Western Greece. This was achieved through targeted B2B meetings with 25 tourism professionals from Europe and the USA, as well as direct engagement with representatives of local government, governmental officials, visitors, and tourism bodies.
Significant discussions and exchanges of views also occurred with professional organizations active in the Region of Western Greece, falling under the Entrepreneurship Support Mechanism of the Western Greece ROP 2021-2027. Furthermore, representatives from cultural institutions, such as the Salt Museum in Messolonghi, participated, with a focus on exploring new synergies.
The Western Greece delegation also attended a workshop organized by the Department of Tourism Studies of the University of Piraeus, titled “Value Tourism: From Theory to Practice.”
‘Olympian Land – The Land of Symbols’: A Unified Destination
Panagiotis Sakellaropoulos, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Development, stated: “The Region of Western Greece is presenting at the Athens International Tourism & Culture Expo the tourism narrative ‘Olympian Land – The Land of Symbols’: a unified and dynamic destination that combines its history, culture, nature, gastronomy, and people. With the aim of strengthening its international tourism identity, developing B2B collaborations with significant markets, and promoting major infrastructure and innovation projects, Western Greece is emerging as a comprehensive network of experiences that connects the past with the future and offers a unique life experience to its visitors.”
Delegation Members and Future Outlook
The delegation from the Region of Western Greece included Dr. Georgia Papaspyrou, Head of the Tourism Strategic Planning Department; Georgia-Yolanda Deli, a member of the Department; and Maria Tsami, external collaborator for the European project HeridAdapt.
The expo’s success underscores Western Greece’s commitment to promoting its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty on an international stage. The Region aims to continue building on these collaborations to further enhance its appeal as a year-round destination.
The participation in such high-profile events is crucial for regional development, attracting investments, and creating new opportunities for local businesses and communities. The discussions held and connections made at the expo are expected to pave the way for future tourism initiatives and partnerships that will benefit the entire region.
The Region of Western Greece is actively working towards sustainable tourism development, ensuring that its growth benefits both visitors and residents, while preserving its unique identity and environment.
