Greece to Show its Best at ITB Berlin 2021 Virtual Tourism Expo

Photo source: @Visit Greece

Greece is ready to show its best at Germany’s ITB Berlin travel and tourism expo that will take place online this year during March 9-12.

One of the world’s leading travel trade shows, ITB Berlin is taking place this year as an entirely virtual event as the situation surrounding the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic still remains difficult, particularly for the travel and tourism industry.

Greek press conference

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis is scheduled to give a press conference on the first day of the virtual event.

The press conference titled “Return to Greece: The journey to revive a unique experience has just begun” will take place on Tuesday afternoon and Minister Theoharis is expected to reveal details regarding the opening of Greek tourism this year.

During the ITB Berlin virtual exhibition, the Greek tourism minister is also scheduled to “meet” with representatives of leading travel organizations in Europe and international tourism organizations.

The main topics on the agenda will concern the movement of citizens, travel planning and developments related to the Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

GNTO at ITB Berlin’s virtual exhibition area

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is attending ITB Berlin’s virtual exhibition area with a total of 250 co-exhibitors, which will include 50 hotels active in the German market; 80 travel agencies and event organizers; and 40 regions and municipalities. The cost of their participation will be covered by the organization.

Speaking recently to the Athens News Agency (amna.gr), Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis, said that the Greek stand includes an increased number of co-exhibitors compared to previous years when they counted to around 90.

“We are very well prepared for the promotion of Greece to the international market… The country will innovate in the promotion of Greece’s tourism products and the activities included in the portfolio of the GNTO,” he said.

During ITB Berlin, the GNTO’s new tourism strategy will be presented.

Greek boutique hotels and startups

Moreover, the GNTO, in collaboration with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), will host 60 Greek boutique hotels (certified by HCH’s Boutique Hotels program) and 20 startup companies (from the CapsuleT program) that offer innovative products, at the virtual event.

Through the days of ITB Berlin 2021, the GNTO and its co-exhibitors will have the opportunity to hold networking events and discussions through the exhibition’s special virtual platform; present Greece during a live Q&A session; and promote Greek regions, boutique hotels, travel agencies and startups in a special digital corner.

Fragakis expects dozens of digital meetings to take place among Greek industry professionals and international travel experts at ITB.

The GNTO this year will sponsor ITB Berlin’s Travel Tech & Startup Café, which will give Greek startup companies and potential clients the chance to “meet” and discuss in the dedicated Greek startup corner.