Greece remains the most attractive tourist destination in Europe for German tourists as 67% ‘vote’ Greece as a desirable holiday destination, however, should adjust its tourist profile on the modern tourists needs in order the desire to get translated into practice. This was the main conclusion of the annual workshop of the top tourist publications organization of Germany, FVW, held this year in Athens, an initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.
The workshop attended by representatives from all tour operators of Germany and journalists, who had the opportunity to see for theirself the image of Athens and the security provided to the visitor, weakening the different feel, creating by reporters in demonstrations days in the city center.
Representatives of German tourist organizations highlighted the need for Greece to redefine its tourist profile. Said that Greece has become intertwined with the image of ‘Zorba’ and adheres to sell the ancient monuments according to the logic of the 60s, which is not only overcome, but no longer interested in the modern tourist who seeks to live the cultural experience in a different way to enjoy food and fun, like the local population. The new generation, they said, does not know what a ‘Zorba’ and ‘Kazantzakis’ is, while the country needs to highlight the cultural strengths, correcting its services and infrastructures.
Athens, moreover, as noted, has been unable to obtain tourist location, similar to Barcelona and Berlin, although the potential in a variety of landscape, cultural and entertainment facilities are endless. The images of the capital with strikes, demonstrations and damage are not Greek phenomenon, is happening everywhere and is very easy to forget and to reverse the climate. What Athens needs, is a new master plan.
The German tour operator also reported that:
- Greece has to turn to the ‘Third Age’, which continuously extends shares around the world traveling more and more.
- The hoteliers must continuously update their product and promptly adapt to the demands of their clientele.
-Easy access to island destinations with dense and stable routes remains a challenge by German tour operators.
- Special mention was made for the airport of Heraklion ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’, which is the second most visited but first in terms of tourism importance for Greece, airport which the critical summer months causes shutter to tourism and discredit the country’s image.
Source: www.xenianews.gr
