DESTINATIONS GREECE | LGBTQ+ TRAVEL Greece


With a bumper crop of milestone events, Greece is a fantastic place to send LGBTQ+ clients this year, finds Alice Barnes-Brown


ainbow flags are flying with pride in Greece. In February, the government voted to legalise same-sex civil marriage and adoption – the


first Orthodox Christian country to do so. And in June, second city Thessaloniki will host the EuroPride 2024 festival, with 40,000 visitors expected for the event. The Greek tourism ministry is actively trying to attract


LGBTQ+ travellers in its marketing, and is working with tourism promoter Queer Destinations to collect data on this market. This will help agents to better understand the needs of LGBTQ+ clients – though with so much to look forward to, a Greek getaway practically sells itself. Queer Destinations chief executive Edgar


Weggelaar says: “Working with the travel sector comprehensively and authentically will allow the country to attract this important demographic. Having a plan to draw in LGBTQ+ travellers is as important as having supportive legislation – the legalisation of same-sex marriage provides a socio-cultural context in which LGBTQ+ people will feel more welcome.”


Contiki’s annual Pride-themed group tour takes to Cycladic shores in June, with an 11-day Greek Island Hopping itinerary – though an eight-day version is also available. Clients will combine the best of the Aegean (from the church-dotted cliffs of Santorini to a speedboat safari in Ios) with the legendary gay culture of Mykonos, a party island filled with beach clubs and cosy bars.


WEDDING CEREMONIES Following the government’s landmark ruling, many Greek hotels (particularly larger resorts) can now offer same-sex wedding ceremonies – though couples still have to file paperwork with the local authority. The adult-only Domes Noruz Mykonos, for example, has introduced a selection of bespoke wedding packages that include takeovers of the hotel, private receptions and island experiences – and the concierge can arrange appointments and transfers to nearby Mykonos ²


travelweekly.co.uk 2 MAY 2024


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PICTURE: Giorgos Alexakis


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