Athens, January 14, 2026 – Greece is set to significantly boost its tourism sector with a major international event planned for Athens and a strategic development of air connections at Araxos Airport. These initiatives, spearheaded by ANAPTIXIAKI ATHINAS S.A. and the Regional Development Fund of the Region of Western Greece, underscore a concerted effort to promote the country’s tourism and cultural offerings on a global scale.
International Tourism and Cultural Event in Athens
ANAPTIXIAKI ATHINAS S.A. has commissioned the implementation of a two-day event in Athens, scheduled for March 9 and 10, 2026. This event will gather professional tourism and cultural organizations from abroad with the primary objective of promoting and showcasing Athens’ rich tourism and cultural offerings.
The contract for the coordination, supervision, and organization services for this event has been directly assigned to AFEA CONGRESS. The maximum cost for this contract is 55,000 euros, plus any applicable VAT and minus legal withholdings.
Key Responsibilities of the Service Provider:
- Covering air transport needs for up to 80 representatives from the global tourism market.
- Coordinating and supervising seminar meetings and meetings with tourism representatives.
- Providing secretarial support and communication with participants throughout the event.
- Coordinating the social program, including visits and meals for guests.
This event is expected to draw significant attention to Athens as a premier cultural and tourist destination, fostering new partnerships and opportunities within the international tourism market.
Development of Air Connections at Araxos Airport
In parallel, the Regional Development Fund of the Region of Western Greece has approved an expenditure for conducting a market research study aimed at the further development of air connections at Araxos Airport. The estimated budget for this study is up to 24,800 euros, including VAT.
Purpose and Scope of the Study:
The primary purpose of this study is to increase incoming tourism to Western Greece by enhancing air connectivity to Araxos Airport. The research will encompass several critical areas:
- Evaluation and utilization of new flight connections.
- Updating data related to the destination and Araxos Airport.
- Evaluation and re-approach of the UK market.
- Targeting the Scandinavian market, specifically Sweden and Denmark.
The implementation of this service is anticipated to significantly contribute to the tourism development of the Region of Western Greece. By providing comprehensive data to relevant authorities, the study will support broader development planning and help attract more visitors to the region.
Broader Implications for Greek Tourism
These initiatives reflect a proactive approach by Greek authorities to strengthen the country’s position in the competitive global tourism market. By combining targeted promotional events with strategic infrastructure development, Greece aims to enhance its appeal to both traditional and emerging tourist segments. The focus on specific markets like the UK and Scandinavia for Araxos Airport, alongside the broad international outreach from the Athens event, demonstrates a multi-faceted strategy for sustainable tourism growth.
The events are part of a wider trend of tourism development in Greece, as indicated by recent news such as a “Global vote of confidence for Crete” and multiple awards for Greece at TripAdvisor’s 2026 awards, as well as the opening of registrations for the Pierra Creta 2026 ski mountaineering races on Psiloritis. The country is actively working to diversify its tourism offerings and attract visitors year-round.
The investment in these projects is expected to yield substantial returns, not only in terms of increased tourist arrivals but also in boosting local economies through enhanced hospitality, cultural exchanges, and job creation. The long-term vision is to establish Greece as a top-tier destination that offers diverse experiences, from historical and cultural immersion in Athens to natural beauty and adventure in Western Greece.
Source: https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tornos/events/55204-tourism-outreach-with-international-event-in-athens-and-plan-for-new-flights-to-araxos.html
