Key Tourism Figures 2018: Yiannis Paraschis, CEO Athens International Airport
This year is characterized by the continuous enrichment of Athens’ portfolio of connections
Dear Partners,
As we reach the end of 2018, it is safe to say that it has been a very good year for Greek tourism, with significant developments, important synergies and strength in numbers.
Following the record year 2017, this year is characterized by the continuous enrichment of Athens’ portfolio of connections, many of which are secondary, niche routes, a fact which signifies the opening up of a number of new leisure markets for the Greek capital.
Speaking about our city, it continues in 2018 its spectacular re-emergence as a prime destination, with foreign residents’ arrivals experiencing significant increases, positioning itself among the top tourist destinations. Additionally, the continuous enhancement of our city’s attractiveness as a year-round, city-break destination remains a strategic goal, placed at the center of our joint efforts with our airline-partners, in order to further maximize and enhance development.
Athens Tourism Partnership, a strategic collaboration between the City of Athens, AEGEAN, Athens International Airport (AIA) and other tourism stakeholders is being continuously strengthened and enhanced.
At the same time, throughout the year, significant advancements have been made regarding the ongoing process for the airport’s concession extension agreement, this being 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 2018, 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, Athens International Airport (AIA) and other tourism stakeholders 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.