The destiny of Greek Tourism

Expected Recovery

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) According to a survey conducted by the Academy of Tourism Research and Studies, Greek tourism will recover this year, with tourist arrivals expected to rise by 8.6%, compared to 2009.
The report by ATEM predicts that foreign tourists visiting Greece will reach 15.5 million in 2010, on condition that there is an upturn in world’s economy.

Greek National Tourism Organisation: www.gnto.gr

Alternative Tourism

Exploring caves, rafting and trekking is just a small part of the activities offered to tourists who do not like crowded vacation destinations and choose alternative tourism.
More examples include medical tourism – which started in Ancient Greece – as well conference and wedding tourism (accommodations, transport, beauty treatments, flower arrangements, and much more).
A conference titled “New Trends in Tourism: benefits & prospects for women,” organised by the Thessaloniki Organisation for Women’s Employment & Resources (TOWER), aims at presenting and discussing various new trends in tourism. Topics to be explored include eco / agro-tourism, health & wellness tourism, and raising awareness about career opportunities available for women in tourism.
See also Greek News Agenda: Alternative Tourism

Advertisement

Explore Greece: Fantastic Agrotourism

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)    In their article “20 fantastic farm stays” in the Observer (5.10.2008) about their favourite rural retreats in Britain and elsewhere, Jane Dunford and Sarah Turner include the Milia retreat in Chania, Crete, is which featured at place 16. In their words:  “An agritourism pioneer, Milia was set up in the Chania region in 1991 by a group of locals who decided to renovate a collection of derelict farm buildings and start an organic farm.” The farm produces nearly all the ingredients needed for the typical regional dishes served up in the farm restaurant, including rabbit with local cheese. One could visit in the fall or winter, as guests are encouraged to get involved: November sees raki production, while olives are harvested between December and February.  Secretariat General of Information: World Media on Greece – Travel 

Agrotourism in Greece

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) Tourism in the countryside is being promoted in Greece. New measures – including efforts to upgrade the “agroktima” (farm) sector and the creation of a new accommodation category to be added to the “xenonas” (guest house) label – are part of a wider plan  to create the appropriate legislative framework for tourism in the countryside. The initiatives are also envisaged in view of preparing the National Strategic Reference Framework of investment subsidies under the EU’s Fourth Community Support Framework.