Elite Traveler March-April 2017

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Greece, a unique destination, 12 months a year

A wealth of ancient history, delicious Mediterranean dishes and endless sunny days – Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos, Secretary General , Greek National TourismOrganization (GNTO), shares his highlights of Greece

What will a luxury visitor enjoy when they visit Greece this year? Our country is a bucket list destination, since visitors enjoy: a) Greece’s natural beauty, like the fine-spun and clean-cut Athenian Riviera, extended fromAcropolis to Cape Sounion, or the 9,940miles of coastline, or the 6,000 islands and islets or the 430 certified with blue flag beaches or the snowy mountain peaks that stand above the mainland; b) the temperate climate, with mild temperatures, almost 300 days a year; c) city breaks with huge shopping centers offering a variety of luxury brands and products as well as relaxing spas and thalassotherapy centers; d) sites and sights such as theme parks, monuments, cultural sites such as the Acropolis Museum or the Odeon of Herodes Atticus or Meteora; e) modern marinas with more than 6,000 moorings, suitable for trips, cruises and excursions with sailing boats or yachts; f) regions both on the islands

and the mainland, where you can savor the delicate taste of Greek gourmet gastronomy and oenology, the basis of the Mediterranean diet. To what extent does luxury tourismplay a role in the plans of the GNTO? Luxury tourism is an integral part of our strategy and planning at the GNTO. According to data released by the International Luxury Travel Market, the top 3% of tourists spend 20% of the total tourism expenditure. This is a very significant segment of the tourist market, particularly considering its upward trend. Luxury travelers, among other things, have particular requirements; they are people with time and money to spend on their holiday and they seek qualitative experiences and demand personal and confidential services. A fundamental prerequisite for addressing luxury

Howwould you describe Greece as a luxury product? We have a unique product. Luxury resorts, complex tourism accommodations, boutique hotels, spas, well being and thalassotherapy centers will experience increased demand. Greece is not like any other destination. Greece is a unique country blessed by Gods, a place where all desires can be served and all tastes can be satisfied. Our country combines natural beauty and timeless culture, and with almost five thousand years of history creating a cultural environment that is unique in the world. Greece has the best climate, the best beaches, the best Archipelagos, the Aegean. Greece is defined by its fine gastronomy, Greek (Mediterranean) diet and lifestyle, and has highly educated and capable tourism professionals and workers at all levels. No wonder Greece is among the top global destinations every year.