INTERVIEW
include one of the biggest urban green spaces in Europe. There are also plans for regional airports to be upgraded. Athens is a very dynamic city at the moment. Streets in the city centre are soon to be pedestrianised and there will be a direct subway connection from Athens airport to Piraeus port.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED AND WILL FACE?
As there is such a diverse range of product on offer in Greece, educating both the public and tourism professionals on the abundant choices is always a welcome challenge! As the minister for tourism, Olga Kefalogianni has pointed out, Greece is so much more than a sun and sea destination. We really need to keep focusing on building a wider brand on attributes such as its culture, heritage and the authentic Greek experiences.
DOES GREECE HAVE THE RIGHT PRODUCT TO INCREASE ITS SHARE OF THE LUXURY MARKET?
Greece has some of the best resorts in the world with exemplary quality of service. We are also seeing a greater number of luxury private villas and boutique hotels. The seaplane services next year will also help more remote islands become accessible.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO EDUCATE AGENTS ABOUT HIGH-END GREECE OVER THE COMING YEAR?
Greece has a combination of activity planned for 2015, which will include online training, workshops, fam trips and roadshows.
TOP: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus near Nafplio
ABOVE: Mykonos is a popular beach destination
DO AGENTS HAVE ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GREECE? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?
Many believe that the destination is too far away and has a limited season. On the contrary, Greece is just a three-hour flight away, and is ideal for city breaks. There are year-round connections to Athens and Thessaloniki. Just a short drive from these cities are fabulous destinations just waiting to be explored, whether that’s the wine trail leading northeast from Thessaloniki or the seaside idyll of the Athens Riviera.
IF YOU WEREN’T HOLIDAYING IN GREECE WHERE WOULD BE YOUR NEXT CHOICE?
I don’t think there’s anywhere quite like Greece, but for a complete change in scenery, climate and culture, I would go to the UK. The Lake District and Edinburgh are very different locations and very beautiful.
IS THERE AN AREA OR AREAS OF GREECE THAT YOU THINK DESERVE MORE ATTENTION FROM TOURISTS?
Mainland Greece is full of undiscovered gems British people are unaware of, such as Pelion peninsula in central Greece and the Peloponnese in Southern Greece, which include wonderfully stylish and small little cities such as Nafplio, which is popular with the Athenians keen to escape the big city. It has an ancient history and beautiful architecture. The surrounding rural area of Nemea is also popular for its wineries, yet few British people have heard of it.
96 — aspire september 2014
PHOTOS: REGION OF THE SOUTH AEGEAN/REGION OF PELOPONNESE
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