Black Sea Tourism Forum & Workshop-Athens Travel Trade Workshop Report - Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau - Athens Convention ...
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«Black Sea Tourism Forum & Workshop– Athens Travel
Trade Workshop Report
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
5/2/2013
Athens Travel Trade Workshop Report
The following report summarizes the activities and outcomes of the first Annual Travel Trade
Workshop which was held in Athens, at the Acropolis Museum, the 22-23rd of April, 2013.
Travel Trade Athens is the signature trade event for the City of Athens offering Athens
tourism industry and suppliers a unique chance to showcase their services & products and
meet individually qualified international buyers personally in pre-arranged meetings. It was
organized by the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) in
cooperation with the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and was the first event
of this scale at which we were able to actively engage with and reach out to a wider range of
the respective stakeholders across Europe.
One hundred eighty [180] delegates attended the event and a total of 1,400 individual
meetings were held with the aim to increase tourism trade deals, international networking
and create the appropriate channels of cooperation. Specifically, Athens Travel Trade
Workshop brought together a dynamic mix of contractors and product developers with city
tourism professionals and individual suppliers. This arrangement mirrors contracting needs
and reflects how clients view the prospective destination of Athens.
Workshop Structure
B2B Meetings
Organization of pre-scheduled appointments between hosted suppliers and buyers.
The Workshop day followed a B2B meetings format. The day was fully dedicated to a series
of pre organized B2B meetings amongst the tourism buyers and suppliers attending from
Europe. Registered companies benefited from a series of pre scheduled one-to-one
meetings arranged on the basis of a prior screening of the company profiles submitted by
participants.
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr
Training sessions
Industry intelligence & international trends seminar for the participating suppliers at the
workshop by leading representatives of international organizations.
The Travel Trade Workshop served as a forum in order to provide special informational
sessions for all suppliers participating at the Travel Trade Athens workshop featuring special
Trends, Tips and Niche Market Overviews delivered by top international associations. The
perspective provided by the key note speakers enabled all participants to evaluate the
structures, opportunities and challenges in the travel market. Specifically the following topics
were thoroughly examined and presented:
Emerging Markets: How do BRIC+ travelers think, feel and behave
Global and Emerging Travel Market Trends & Characteristics
BRIC Market Research Snapshots
Growing Niche Markets
Youth Travel Market Trends & Insights
LGBT Market Trends & Promotion Tools
MICE 2013: Bids & Trends
Low priced destinations, competitive advantage?
New Trends & Insights in the MICE Industry
ACB Acts & Action Plan
Pre Post Activities
All buyers participated in selected site visits and had further networking opportunities
through prearranged social activities aimed to deepen knowledge of the regional and local
tourism product.
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr
Outcome
The key conclusions from the workshop, highlighted by all participants were
The presentation and promotion of the tourism product of Athens
The development of professional ties between the local tourism industry and tourism
professionals from the Greek capital’s international target markets.
The emergence and establishment of Athens as the primary and exclusive travel
destination in the international tourism market with actions highlighting the
comparative advantages of the city and the high level of service it can offer to its
visitors.
Organizers Profile
ADDMA (Athens Development and Destination Management Agency)
The Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) supports the
Municipality’s operational capacity with its expertise and dedicated human resources, giving
impetus to the development potential of the city of Athens as a modern, European
metropolis. Athens is a metropolitan center that is endowed with unique urban and physical
characteristics, rendering it a popular year-round tourist destination at both a European as
well as at an international level. It is a city committed to sustainable and inclusive
development. The current volatility of the economic environment has been the driving force
in bringing to the forefront the city’s productive forces; an initiative is currently underway in
order to reverse the country capital’s negative publicity by highlighting the its positive
attributes. In this context, ADDMA plays an important role by designing and implementing
an integrated action plan aiming to ensure social cohesion and improve the quality of life of
city residents. As part of the European strategy Europe 2020, the city of Athens is aiming at
smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, by making good use of its comparative advantages
and dealing with the challenges that have been recently exacerbated due to critical socio-
economic conditions. Integrated strategic planning and its successful implementation along
with effective utilization of all European financial instruments and policy tools constitutes the
most crucial challenge that the city is faced with for the current decade. ADDMA has
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr
responded successfully to this challenge and is rapidly progressing in achieving its
objectives.
ETOA (European Tour Operators Association)
ETOA is the member supported trade association for tour operators with business in
European destinations and their suppliers. Offering an outstanding platform to meet and
engage with over 600 member companies, including 200 international operators bringing
visitors from worldwide markets, ETOA members deliver over 5.5bn Euros in business. The
benefits include: -five highly organised B2B workshops -member networking and specialist
events -profile raising online and directory lead sales and marketing opportunities -exclusive
sponsorship of events and newsletters reaching a target trade contacts -high profile trade
show stand opportunities -tax, legal and technology expertise. ETOA offers advocacy
support, leading high profile campaigns, to support the growth of tourism exports and
member business. www.etoa.org
Supporting Associations Profile
IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association)
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the world's leading global travel
network dedicated to connecting and educating LGBT travelers and the businesses that
welcome and support them along the way. Whether it's for individual, group, corporate, or
student travel, we have affiliates in the world's most sought after locations offering the most
competitive packages for your perfect getaway. IGLTA was founded in 1983 by gay and
lesbian travel agents and now operates in 80+ countries on all six inhabited continents. We
provide all members who join the IGLTA community the opportunity to customize their travel
experience and share it with others through planning tools, trip ideas, events and travel
deals from LGBT tourism-related businesses.
ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association)
ICCA represents the main specialists in organizing, transporting and accommodating
international meetings and events, and comprises over 950 member companies and
organizations in 88 countries worldwide. ICCA specializes in the international association
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr
meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication channels, and business
development opportunities.
WYSE (World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation)
WYSE Travel Confederation was formed in 2006 when FIYTO and ISTC merged to create a
stronger united body to represent the global youth travel industry. The Confederation is
therefore built on decades of industry experience and is bound together by a trusted global
community.
Market & Delegates Profile
180 delegates
1,400 individual meetings
120 suppliers
60 buyers
Geographical areas represented: Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Spain,
Portugal, Lithuania, Israel, Japan and India, while many of them represent tour operators
from America, China and other major markets.
Suppliers: The City of Athens Travel Trade Workshop offered to Athens located suppliers a
chance to meet individually qualified buyers showcasing their product and assisting buyers
with their specific requests.
Categories: Cruise/Ferry Operators, Folklore Shows/Restaurants, Ground Handlers/Local
Tour Operators, Hotels Shops/Cultural Demonstrations, Technology Systems and Services
Providers, Tourist Attractions/Museums, Yachting, Outdoor Activities, Catering Services,
Conference Centres, DMCs, PCOs, Trade Associations.
Buyers: The City of Athens Travel Trade Workshop was attended by a unique blend of
contractors, product developers. They represent a variety of leisure sectors, MICE and
corporate businesses.
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grCategories: Groups & FIT Operators. Wholesalers, Online Intermediaries, City Break,
Cultural Holiday and Coach Operators, Group Travel Organisers Luxury Travel, Special
Interest and Educational Operators, MICE Specialists
Participating Suppliers:
Ace Incentives Chandris Hotels & Resorts
Acropolis Museum Citysightseeing Athens And
Aegean Piraeus (Somaco Tours Sa)
Aemex Sa Club Hotel Casino Loutraki
Afea Travel And Congress Congress Line
Services Coral Hotel
Airotel Group Of Hotels Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Amphitrion Holidays Sa Holiday Inn Athens Attica Avenue
Anagnostou Winery Airport West, Holiday Suites
Andy's Tours S.A. Danae.Travel (Gtp)
Artion Conference And Events Dignity Travel Ltd
Association Of Greek National Divani Collection Hotels
Tourist Guides Electra Palace Hotel Athens
Astir Palace Resort Eos Travel
Athenaeum Intercontinental Erasmus Sa
Athens Eurostar Sa
Athens Gate Hotel Event Makers-Dmc
Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel Firstevent
Athens Metropolitan Expo S.A. Frangos Travel Services
Athens Open Tour Frei S.A
Athens Traders Association General Pan-Hellenic Federation
Athens Walking Tours Of Tourism Enterprises
Attika Zoological Park Golden Age Hotel
Best Western Greece Gold Air Tourism
Candia Hotel (Nikolaos Mallias Sa) Grand Bretagne
Cbr Travel & Car Rental Grand Resort Lagonissi
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr Grazytravel.Com Louis Group
Haritou Travel Group ( Htg) Mcarthurglen Designer Outlet
HATTA (Hellenic Association Of Athens
Travel And Tourist Agencies) Mideast International Τours
Hellenic Motor Museum - Novotel Athenes
Charagionis Group Olympic Air
Herakleidon Museum P.C Podimatas Audiovisual
Hetco Tours Pacific World
Hilton Athens Pam Tours
Hondos Center Department Stores Panathenaic Stadium (Hellenic
Hydraiki N.C - Athens One Day Olympic Committee)
Cruise Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Kentavros Travel Network Royal Olympic Hotel
Key Tours Saint George Lycabettus Hotel
Kipling Events Simple Travel
Kyvernitis Travel Sirios Travel Olympos Touristiki
L'oceane Voyages Ependitiki
Spetses Hotel Yes! Hotels Group
Public cafe Syntagma and Zen Travel Ltd
Pasalimani - Square Root S.A. Ευ Ζην Vitality
Studytours-Odyssey
Sunshine Express Train
Technopolis City Of Athens
The Athens International & The
Student and Travellers Inn
The Vorres Museum
Thissio View
Thomais Travel Agency
Tourgreece
Travel Elegance - L.Moula & Co
Tumlare - Jtb Greece
Varoulko Restaurant
Vs Hospitality Group
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grParticipating Buyers:
Abreu Online Kuoni Group Travel Experts
Agence eWenements More Than Friendly
ANA Sales Europe myGayTrip.com
CEETIZ Navarino Services Ltd
Denatravel viajes Place2B Ltd
ETOA Secret Escapes Ltd
Eventiv Service-Reisen Giessen
Expat Explore Shearings Holidays
Expedia.com/Hotels.com Special Tours
Expedia Lodging Partner Services The Group Company
Explorica Inc. ThinkHotels
G2 Travel Ltd Tourico Holidays Inc.
GetYourGuide Trafalgar Tours
Globus Family of Brands: Cosmos Travel Boutique
Greatdays Travel Group TVL.TVL. Ltd
Groundline/Hello Paris VELTRA Corporation
Hostelbookers.com Viator Ltd.
HotBookings.net Ltd WorldStrides International Discovery
HotBookings.net Ltd Programs
HotelFusion Limited Worldwide DMC Ltd
HotelFusion Limited Wotif Group
Hotelkamerveiling.nl WYSE Travel Confederati
incotours.ltd
International Gay & Lesbian Travel
Association (IGLTA)
JacTravel
JTB World Vacations,Inc
Jumbo Tourism CO PVT LTD
Kauno piligrimas
Kuoni Global Travel Services
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grProduct Category Identification for all participants (buyers – suppliers)
Type of product represented by buyers’ category
Type of product represented by suppliers’ category
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grMedia Coverage Report
The media interest that surrounded the City of Athens Travel Trade Workshop was
remarkable and can be considered as a clear indicator of the levels of success.
A press release issued in English & Greek, along with statements from workshop
participants, was widely published and appeared in several newspapers and magazines and
made headline news on radio and television.
International Media Invited & Attended
Organization Country
Cat publications UK
Conference meetings World Magazine UK
MIM Europe BELGIUM
Travel Trade Weekly, Travel Trade Cyprus CYPRUS
Viator SPAIN
Davidsbeenhere.com GERMANY
Greek Media Invited & Attended
Newspapers
Athens News Kathimerini
City Press Naftemporiki
Metro Hmerisia
Αdesmeutos Typos Kerdos
Apopsi Lifo
Ethnos Athens Voice
Free Sunday International Herald Tribute
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grMagazines
Athens Today Travel Magazine Travel Earth
Chrima & Tourismos Tourism & Property
Big Fish Travel Times
Business Today Travelogue
Hotel and Restaurant Athinorama
Meeting Greece Bhmagazino
The Tourism Report Touristiki Agora
TV
Antenna Alpha
Mega NET
SKAI
Sample of web articles
http://www.antenna.gr http://www.ert.gr
http://www.skai.gr http://news.gtp.gr
http://news.kathimerini.gr http://www.tovima.gr
http://news.kathimerini.gr http://www.imerisia.gr
http://www.athensvoice.gr http://www.athinorama.gr
http://www.capital.gr http://www.tanea.gr
http://www.athinorama.gr http://e-travelnews.blogspot.gr
http://www.express.gr http://www.localit.gr
http://www.news.gr
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grSponsors – Supporters The Organizing Committee wishes to acknowledge the considerable ongoing support of our Sponsors & Exhibitors who assisted in making this event so successful. Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123, +30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123, +30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.gr
Quotes from Workshop Participants, Speakers, Sponsors
“The level of organization was very good! If you want to bring more visitors to Athens, then
events such as the Travel Trade Athens are what you should do. The ETOAC was founded
by those companies that specialize in attracting customers from all over the world in Europe.
These people promoted cities with their customers to know that the culture of European
cities is unique. Among European cities, Athens is unique. Is a sought after destination for
three millennia and satisfaction we received the opportunity to project this destination”.
Tom Jenkins, CEO of ETOA
“Greece is a very important market for the community LGBT - our country ranks in 11th
place among the most popular destinations. According to estimates available, Greece will be
able to attract 1.5 million arrivals and a turnover of about 1.7 billion dollars. Athens has
excellent prospects for further growth in the market LGBT if it makes the appropriate moves.”
Clark Massad, Vice President Europe International operator IGLTA
"Aegean strongly supports Athens Development and Destination Management Agency and
any action designed to promote the benefits of Athens as a tourist destination. Aegean, as
the Athens International Airport is its main base, actively involved in all action aims to
recover Athens the position and the momentum it deserves. The Travel Trade Athens is a
joint initiative to promote Athens as hospitable and competitive destination that fulfills all
requirements and demands of the international market initiatives supported with great
satisfaction. "
Dimitris Gerogiannis, Managing Director, Aegean Airlines
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grBlack Sea Tourism Forum & Workshop
The City of Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is planning to organize a dedicated travel
trade workshop aiming to enhance tourism business partnership with the Black Sea Region,
in partnership with the UNDP Black Sea Trade & Investment Promotion Program.
Unique Differences compared to Travel Trade Athens Workshop
Purpose: The presentation and promotion of the tourism product of the countries of
Black Sea Region(Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece,
Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine)
Targeted Market –Destination : The countries of the Black Sea Region
Buyers Profile: top selected buyers of the European, Asian, US & Black Sea travel
market.
Suppliers Profile: Suppliers (Cruise/Ferry Operators, Ground Handlers/Local Tour
Operators, Hotels, Technology Systems and Services Providers, Tourist
Attractions/Museums, Yachting, Outdoor Activities, Catering Services, Conference
Centers, DMCs, PCOs, Trade Associations) from all regions of Greece & the Black
Sea.
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Address: Xenofontos 7, 105 57, Athens, Greece, T: +30 210 32 53 123,
+30 210 52 01 611, F: +30 210 32 16 653, +30 210 52 22 743, E: info@developathens.grYou can also read
