News and Views A sunny summer for Greece


Greece faces this year’s tourist season with a renewed optimism, boosted by the posi- tive signals coming from the UK, arguably the most significant of market pools for Greek tourism. This conclusion was drawn following an official visit to London by the Greek Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos on 1st March.


Mr Geroulanos held a series of meetings with British officials as well as tour opera- tors active in Greek holidays. Speaking to reporters after his meetings, the Greek Min- ister stressed that despite last year’s “per- fect storm” (the combination of problems


caused by the volcanic ash from Iceland, the closure of British operators covering Greek destinations, and the negative pub- licity due to the fiscal crisis, especially in Germany), the fall in the number of tourists to Greece was restricted to only 0.1%.


This year tourists have already been show- ing their interest in Greece, especially as the traditionally high quality of services is accompanied by even more attractive price packages. The British tour operators also put forward a request to Mr Geroulanos for further development of the variety in desti- nations and services in Greece.


IN BRIEF... F


arewell to Iakovos Kambanellis


One of the most prominent figures of post-war Greek lit- erature, Iakovos Kambanel- lis, passed away on 29th March at the age of 89. His works were deeply loved by the Greek and international audience as they soberly and truthfully depicted the reality of life in Greece, its difficulties and joys. Kambanellis wrote more than twenty plays and twelve film scripts, including Stella by Michael Cacoyan- nis and The Dragon by Nikos Koundouros.


th century church discovered in Thessaloniki


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During construction works for the Thessaloniki metro a 4th century A.D. chapel was discovered. According to the archaeologists, the one- room church, which may be the oldest Christian church in the city, was converted into


the larger basilica of


the 5th century, which was also unearthed during the construction work for the metro.


G Greece@Westfield London


Greece, beyond sea and sun, offers countless opportunities for educational, gastronomic, athletic and leisurely activities. That was the main message, proven practically with spe- cific events, during the event “Visit Greece@Westfield Lon- don” which took place from 19th to 27th March 2011 in Westfield,


Europe’s relaxed largest


urban shopping centre. The visitors


in a


specially constructed Greek beach, watched films, and sampled cocktails prepared


MARCH 2011, ISSUE 141, Page 4


A game simulating state-of- the art golf courses proved very popular with golf players


by the world-class mixologist Telis Papadopoulos. In addi- tion, acclaimed chefs Stelios Parliaros


and Christopho-


ros Peskias hosted cooking classes and prepared tasty dishes made from authen- tic Greek products. At the same time visitors had the opportunity to watch live performances by the cast of the popular West End show Mamma Mia.


and learners alike, hundreds opted for a challenge on rock climbing, others explored the Greek islands via a sailing simulator and many treated themselves to a relaxing spa treatment in a Thalassothera- py and Spa Centre.


The Greek Theme Park’s ac- tivities were free for the pub- lic and welcomed children who had fun in the archaeo- logical dig simulator, while they learnt about wildlife and sea life conservation efforts in Greece.


reece signs against torture


Greece signed the Optional Protocol of the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and other Cruel, Inhuman or De- grading Treatment or Punish- ment on 3rd March 2011. The OPCAT establishes an inter- national inspection system for places of detention mod- elled on the system which has existed in Europe since 1987.


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