Region of Attica’s Directorate of Tourism in close co-operation with the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s office in UK & Ireland (GNTO UK & Ireland) and Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) welcomed on the 16th of September a group of seven members of congress and incentives executives and a specialized journalist that accompanied the group. The group, participated in a familiarization trip (fam trip) organized by the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s office in UK & Ireland (GNTO UK & Ireland), from September 14th to September 18th 2017, aimed at the touristic promotion of Athens and the Athenian Riviera.
Members of the group, throughout their stay, were accompanied by a staff member of the GNTO UK & Ireland office and were introduced to Athens and the Athenian Riviera, discovering the opportunities these beautiful areas present for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.
Following the Region of Attica’s proposal, the GNTO UK & Ireland Office enabled the arrangement of a presentation for the buyers and journalist to take place, as to present to them the tourism destination of Attica and the work of ACVB. The event took place at a meeting room, kind courtesy of Hotel Grand Bretagne, on September 16th, as part of their familiarization program.
The aims and the strategic plan of the Region of Attica’s Directorate of Tourism were emphasized by the Head of the Directorate who welcomed the guests and presented Attica as a multidimensional, year round, short break destination. An analytic presentation followed, by Region of Attica’s the Head of the Department for Tourism Promotion, emphasizing the nearby island destinations, the alternative forms of tourism, various cultural and sporting events, local gastronomy and yachting. All participants had the opportunity to watch the most recent video material for the tourism promotion of the Region of Attica: “Perfect Ten” and “Attica’s Islands”. The presentation was then continued by the representative of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, who analyzed the role of ACVB, their aims, their development and their future plans. An in-depth analysis of the various venues for congresses and events was also provided. The presentation came to a closure with the participants receiving as a gift, the printed and electronic material (tourist guides, maps and videos) for the tourism promotion of Attica.
All participants showed great interest in Athens’ and Region of Attica’s opportunities for MICE tourism, events and leisure holidays. They were fascinated by the locations they visited, people’s hospitality, as well as the very warm September weather conditions. They were positively surprised by the plethora of different experiences a visitor can combine in Attica Region, at such a short travelling distance (maximum 2 and a half hours) from the city center. Athens and Attica can therefore be included in the top ideal European destinations for MICE and events, as they can combine with ease their business oriented stay downtown followed by an additional 2-3 days minimum leisure program at a nearby island.
The possibilities are endless: From mountain hiking to sailing and island hopping, from tradition and modernity, from cultural and gastronomy tours to sports events, for every season and every budget, Attica has something different for every traveler. The Region of Attica, offers a truly unique combination of a European metropolis and a kaleidoscope of leisure amenities, and invites all visitors to a timeless trip of discovery!
