European Travel Agents and Tour Operators to Meet in Athens

Athens, Greece, Photo Source: Visit Greece / Y Skoulas

The European Travel Agents & Tour Operators Association (ECTAA) has announced that it will hold its annual meeting in Athens during October 8-9, with the support of the Greek National Tourism Organisation and the City of Athens Development and Destination Management Agency.

The announcement comes a few days after ECTAA cooperated with the GNTO to hοld the “Tourism of tomorrow: the case of Greece” webinar that saw the registration of some 250 European travel agents.

As ECTAA underlines, “in a period of uncertainty and difficulties when going abroad is complicated, the travel agents and tour operators’ community of Europe strongly believes that it is high time to adapt to the new normal“. According to the association, people need to travel for leisure and business, enjoy new experiences and discover different places.

“Organising safe journeys and efficient business travels has always been a priority for our industry. By meeting altogether in Athens, the European travel agents’ and tour operators’ community is sending a message: traveling is safe if the well-known hygiene safety measures are respected.” said Pawel Niewiadomski, President of ECTAA.

“Governments must understand that erratic, uncoordinated travel restrictions do not help the travel and tourism industry recover and hamper the resumption of economic activity,” he added.

ECTAA also praised Greece for its handling of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Greece is a good example as regards the management of Covid-19. There is a clear, positive dynamic in this country. Health protocols were set up quickly and efficiently to make journeys safe and holidays enjoyable. Other destinations in Europe and the world should look at Greece to get some inspiration,” said ECTAA Secretary General Eric Drésin.

Details of the event (location and program) are expected to be announced soon.