‘Santorini Experience’ Wins Ermis Award for Best Sports Production

Konstantinos Konstantineskou, Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos, President of the Boatmen Union Santorini Makis Kanakaris, George Arniakos, Dejan Jovanovic, President of DAPPOS Lefteris Tzouros. Photo by Mike Tsolis

Early Bird Discount for Santorini Experience 2019 until March 30!

The Greek sports tourism event “Santorini Experience”, which will take place for the fifth time during October 4-6 on Santorini, recently received a major award at the prestigious Ermis Awards in Athens.

Organized annually by the Hellenic Association of Communication Agencies (EDEE/HACA), the awards embody the pinnacle of achievement for Greece’s marketing and communications industry.

“Santorini Experience” received the Gold Award in the “Events Production” section/“Sports Events” category, for the Best Sporting Event Production in 2018. Last year, the event counted participants from more than 40 countries and a participation rate of 55 percent of men and 45 percent of women.

“Since the beginning of the term of this municipal authority, sports and consequently sports tourism is a top priority and ‘Santorini Experience’ is the flagship of the sporting events held under our aegis,” Thira Mayor Nikos Zorzos said.

This is the second time in the last three years that Santorini Experience won the gold award as the best sports event production at the Ermis Awards.

“By offering residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in a sporting event that combines sport with knowledge and information, but also approaching all ages and the whole family, we have established an event, that as an institution is increasingly attracting more people from abroad. This gives Santorini the opportunity to show its comparative advantages and to participants the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the island… We are now looking even higher, hoping to be able to organize a half marathon and even bigger open water swimming routes in the near future,” the mayor added.

Open Water Swimming by Vikos @ Santorini Experience. Photo by Elias Lefas

On his part, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) President Lefteris Tzouros said that the gold distinction at the Ermis Awards belongs even more to the people of Santorini, who embrace “Santorini Experience” with great passion, realizing the benefits of an international sports event, in which foreign participants are more than the Greeks.

“We hope that each year, ‘Santorini Experience’ will become even better, a sports event in which people from all over the world participate, combining tourism activities with athletic recreation and participation – attendance in such a unique sports organization,” Tzouros said.

“Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.

Preparations underway for “Santorini Experience” 2019

Running photo @ Santorini Experience. GoPro photo by Vassilis Sfakianopoulos

The preparations for the fifth “Santorini Experience” on Santorini are well underway.

According to the organizers, there are only a few days left for participants to take advantage of the early bird 50 percent discount on the registration price, until March 31. During the second wave of registrations, beginning from April 1, the discount per activity will be 25 percent. The third and final wave of registrations will begin from June 1 and last until the event, with the final registration cost being applied. Register here.

Moreover, Avance Rent A Car gives the opportunity to participants of the 5th “Santorini Experience” to make their reservation, for any vehicle of their choice, for travel on the island during the event, with a 30 percent discount until June 30. From July 1 and until the event, reservations will have a 15 percent discount. To book, participants can either send an email to sales@avance.gr or call +30 2109011300.

Santorini Experience: Running. Photo by Mike Tsolis

As underlined by the organizers, one of the most important factors to the success of “Santorini Experience” is the support to the organization as well as to the island itself from the hospitality sponsors, who promote the event with special offers and prices and contribute in the prominence and development of sports tourism in Santorini. Until now, this year’s effort is supported by: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santo Houses, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini and Loizos Stylish Residencies, while participation continues.

Photo: Santorini Experience by Elias Lefas

Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas, Athina Luxury Suites, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Alafouzos Sport. For one more year, Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event. Official supporters of the event are: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Boatmen Union Santorini and Avance Rent A Car.

“Santorini Experience” is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club, Atlantis Dive Center and Santorini Nautical Club.

For more info, press here.