Athens continues its dynamic trajectory on the global tourism map, securing two more significant accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The Greek capital was recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Cultural City Destination’ and, for the first time globally, as the ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’ for 2025.
Awards Ceremony in Manama
The two awards were presented at a special ceremony held last Saturday, December 6th, in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA), and other agency executives represented Athens at the event.
Mayoral Statement on Global Recognition
Commenting on these two significant global distinctions, Athens Mayor Charis Doukas stated, “Athens consistently demonstrates its ability to claim and win top positions on the global tourism map. Culture, extroversion, and sustainable development are at the core of our strategy for an open, vibrant, and humane city. These awards reflect the collective effort of the municipality, ADDMA, and all stakeholders who work daily to enhance Athens’ image and experience internationally.”
ADDMA CEO Emphasizes Strategic Success
Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of ADDMA, who accepted the city’s two awards, highlighted, “These awards confirm the strategy we implement at ADDMA, through This is Athens and the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, promoting the modern, creative, and sustainable identity of the city internationally. We continue to steadily develop partnerships, design targeted promotional activities, and strengthen Athens’ presence in important foreign markets.”
Athens’ Growing List of Accolades
These new global distinctions add to Athens’ two recent awards in October at the World Travel Awards 2025, where the city was named ‘Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination’ and ‘Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board.’
The consistent successes of recent years are the result of the long-term strategy of the Municipality of Athens and ADDMA to promote the city as a modern, competitive, and sustainable destination. Through This is Athens – the city’s tourism brand – as well as the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, ADDMA implements actions that highlight the cultural identity, authenticity, and dynamism of the Greek capital.
Promoting Athens Through Major Events
Through major events such as the Athens Municipality Festival, featuring over 300 cultural events every May across Athens, and This is Athens – Agora, the annual top meeting for tourism with the participation of major businesses and organizations from around the world, Athens cultivates its outward orientation with a focus on the sustainability of the destination.
The two new awards for 2025 further strengthen the international footprint of the Greek capital and confirm its upward trajectory as a destination for culture, experiences, and high-level hospitality.
