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Tourism Ministry Presents 2020-2021 Marketing Strategy for Greek Regions

Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The Greek Tourism Ministry presented a set of proposals for the tourism development of Greece’s 13 regions during the first meeting of the Regional Tourism Council held in Athens on Tuesday.

Titled, Marketing Strategy 2020-2021, the scheme has taken into consideration the global travel trends as outlined by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Greece’s competitive advantages and weaknesses.

“Greece has many islands and offers Greek hospitality with authentic experiences and a mild climate with many sunny days; rich cultural heritage; connectivity with significant European markets, as well as direct flights to China and the US,” said Panagiota Dionysopoulou, director general for tourism policy, during the event.

“The ministry’s tourism marketing plan for the next two years aims to promote the country as a top, attractive and safe destination offering authentic thematic experiences 365 days a year, and also enhance the sea & sun model,” she added.

The Marketing Strategy 2020-2021 targets high-income travelers of all ages and includes a plan for each of Greece’s 13 Regions.

And while the “sea & sun” product is in the spotlight for almost all the regions, the ministry lists a number of other unique features each region can promote in order to stand out, attract more visitors and contribute to the common aim of all year round tourism.

Attica

Hydra. Photo: © f8grapher, Shutterstock

The Tourism Ministry highlights Attica’s thematic products including the region’s city break options; cultural, luxury, MICE, marine, gastronomy and wine tourism.

Furthermore, it proposes tours to Athens and the Saronic islands, excursions from Athens to Nafplio and Arachova, and cruises to nearby islands.

Peloponnese

Kardamyli, Peloponnese. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The Ministry’s strategy for the Peloponnese focuses on its sea & sun product; cultural tourism; wedding and city break destinations with Nafplio and Loutraki among them.

It also hightlights the medieval villages of Messinia and Lakonia.

Central Macedonia

Ammouliani, Halkidiki, northern Greece. Photo Source: @Halkidiki / @MarioAgapios

Among Central Macedonia’s focused tourism options are the city break destinations of Thessaloniki and Serres; the sea & sun product of Halkidiki; and the marine activities, hiking tours, wellness and gastronomy options offered in Katerini.

Eastern Macedonia – Thrace

Samothrace. Photo © Panos Karas / Shutterstock

The region offers many sea & sun options; cultural, religious, hiking, city break and gastronomy destinations.

The ministry’s marketing strategy focuses on Alexandroupoli and the nearby island of Samothrace, as well as on Kavala due to its proximity to the island of Thassos.

Central Greece

Delphi, Greece. Photo: GTP
Delphi, Greece. Photo: GTP

Central Greece offers many thematic products including sea & sun; and cultural, religious, hiking, wellness and winter tourism.

Among the destinations highlighted by the ministry are Karpenisi, for sports tourism; Arachova, Delphi and Galaxidi for city breaks; and Kammena Vourla for wellness and culture.

Western Greece

The Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae Photo Source: Ministry of Culture

Western Greece offers many different travel options. The ministry proposes Patra and Nafpaktos as city break destinations; and Ancient Olympia, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae and Ancient Ilida for cultural activities.

Epirus

Ioannina islet, Ioannina Lake. Photo © Facebook – ΟΙ ΟΜΟΡΦΙΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ ΜΑΣ

In Epirus, the tourism ministry shows focus on popular destinations such as Ioannina, Metsovo, Tzoumerka, Zagorohoria, Parga, Syvota and the Acherontas Springs.

Thessaly

Moni Agias Triados, Meteora. Photo © Andrei Pop / Shutterstock

Thessaly is promoted as an ideal religious, gastronomy, diving and winter tourism destination with many areas of interest such as Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Volos, Pelion, Trikala and Meteora.

North Aegean

Chios island
Chios island

The North Aegean region offers many sea & sun options, as well as ecotourism, and cultural, religious, gastronomy and wine tourism.

The ministry’s marketing plan focuses on the islands of Chios, Lesvos, Samos and Limnos.

Crete

Photo source: Visit Greece / Y. Skoulas
Crete island. Photo source: Visit Greece / Y. Skoulas

For Crete, the ministry proposes a combination of thematic tourism products such as culture, hiking and nature; gastronomy – wine – local products; and MICE.

South Aegean

Symi Island Greece
Symi Island Photo: Leoks / Shutterstock

The ministry focuses on the region’s sea & sun options; cultural tourism; hiking and nature; religious tourism; and gastronomy-wine-local products. Specially highlighted are the tourism offerings of Rhodes and Symi.

Western Macedonia

The ministry focuses on the region’s winter tourism options and the ski centers of Vasilitsa, Vitsi and Pisoderi. The region’s cultural destinations, hiking tour options, religious monuments, thermal springs and local products are also in the spotlight.

Ionian

Paxi. Photo © Panos Karas / Shutterstock
Paxi. Photo © Panos Karas / Shutterstock

Regarding the Ionian Region, the ministry proposes to promote its strongest points, including sea & sun, marine tourism, cultural tourism, gastronomy tourism and ecotourism.

The Tourism Ministry’s “Marketing Strategy 2020-2021” will be further discussed with Greece’s 13 regional authorities.

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About the Author
Eleftheria has worked for several financial newspapers, magazines and websites during the past 19 years. Between 2004 and 2014 she worked as a radio producer, reporter and presenter for the Greek and English language program of “Athina 9.84 FM”. She also has hands-on experience in the MICE industry.

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