Key Tourism Figures 2017: Yiannis Paraschis, CEO Athens International Airport

Official Tourism Message

Dear Partners,

As we reach the end of 2017, it is safe to say that it has been a very good year for the Greek tourism, with significant developments, important synergies and strength in numbers.

Following the record year 2016, when Athens International Airport surpassed the 20 million passengers’ mark , this year is characterized by the increase of the Athens’ connectivity and the addition of three long-haul direct, year-round operations to metropolitan cities of the world, ie. New York, Singapore and , last but not least, Beijing, thus enriching the airport’s and the city’s portfolio of connections.

Speaking about Athens, the city continues in 2017 its spectacular re-emergence as a prime destination, with foreign residents’ arrivals experiencing significant increases, positioning itself among the top tourist destinations. Additionally, the enhancement of the city’s connectivity and the development of a regional hub potential remains a strategic goal, placed at the centre of our joint efforts with our airline-partners, in order to further maximize and enhance development.

At the same time, throughout the year, significant positive developments left their imprint on the Greek aviation map, including the introduction of an experienced and capable regional airports’ new private operator, expected to boost local economies and significantly upgrade passenger experience, while the ongoing process for the airport’s concession extension agreement, is an important step towards securing the continuity of our successful operational and business model in the years to come.

It is also worth mentioning that, within 2017, a culture of common understanding, teamwork and cooperation among the travel and tourism stakeholders seems to have reached a level of maturity. Athens Tourism Partnership, a strategic collaboration between the City of Athens, Aegean and the Athens International Airport is being continuously strengthened and enhanced, corroborating our strong belief that forging strong bonds between aviation and tourism stakeholders is a fact of paramount importance.

Within a highly competitive environment, we are firmly committed to keep on working hard towards the further enhancement of Athens’ connectivity in order to continue in the course of development and growth.