Greek National Tourism Organisation – Newsletter

February-March 2017

Statistics

Rise in UK visitors to Greece in 2016

Greece received approximately 2.9 million UK visitors between January and December 2016, an increase of 20.8 % compared to the same period in 2015, according to the latest figures from the Bank of Greece.

Moreover, The Hellenic Ports Association reported that cruise passengers to Greece recorded a 5 percent increase in 2016, compared to 2015. Indicatively, a total of 4,290 cruise vessels called in to Greek ports compared to 4.281 in 2015, while passenger arrivals last year reached 5,197,118 compared to 4,957,743 in 2015.

Also passenger numbers at Athens International Airport reached a new record high in 2016 at 20.02 million. Passenger numbers rose by a total of 10.7 percent (1.9 million) year on year. According to data released recently by AIA, both domestic and international passengers achieved double-digit growth levels of 11.2 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively, reaching 7.15 million and 12.87 million.

For more info please see here http://news.gtp.gr/2017/01/10/greek-ports-body-2016-good-year-cruise-travel/ and here http://news.gtp.gr/2017/01/12/athens-airport-2016-record-20-02-million-passengers/

New Flights

British Airways new routes to Greece

British Airways recently announced new flights to Greece for 2017. From 26 June to 6 September 2017, British Airways will fly three times a week from London City to Skiathos on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Moreover, from 19 May to 8 October 2017, British Airways will also fly between Manchester and Mykonos, Greece on Fridays. Finally from 3 June 2017, British Airways will fly twice a week to Zante, Greece from London Heathrow Terminal 5. For more info please see here: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/flights-and-holidays/flights/new-routes

Hotel Openings / Developments

Absolut Mykonos Suites & More undergoes a full revamp

Absolut Mykonos Suites & More is set to reopen its doors after a full renovation that was completed in December last year. The hotel's 32 rooms and suites feature a minimal aesthetic while remaining true to an eco-friendly philosophy. Amenities and facilities include a fully equipped fitness studio. For more info please see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2017/01/24/hotelbrain-best-absolut-mykonos-suites/

Major refurbishment for Oceanis Hotel in Kavala

The Oceanis Hotel, in the heart of Kavala, northern Greece, has opened its doors and is ready for business following extensive renovation works. The hotel is located 30 minutes away from Kavala International Airport, a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Philippi and within walking distance of the town port. The hotel's roof garden, bar, restaurant and pool offer spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, the old town and the Byzantine castle.  For more info please see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2017/01/02/kavalas-oceanis-hotel-revamped-ready-action/

Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini re launches spa and introduces new infinity pool

Canaves Oia Luxury Resort has announced plans to re-launch its luxurious and enticing spa in April 2017. Located in the prestigious Canaves Oia Suites, the authentic spa, renovated from two traditional 'Canaves' 17th century caves, oozes lavishness with impressive interior and first-class amenities.  Teaming up with the award-winning Elemis brand allows for an array of idyllic treatments including 'Pro- collagen Quartz Life Facial' and the 'Jetlag Energising Massage'. The hotel will also be introducing the opening of a perfectly positioned infinity pool within the Suites. Currently being constructed overlooking the caldera, with dotted cabanas and picture-perfect views this new pool will provide the perfect retreat for relaxation.

New suites complex to open in Santorini

Aperanto Suites, a brand new hotel by Aqua Vista Hotels in Oia, Santorini, will open its doors for the first time in summer 2017. A luxury complex, Aperanto Suites will boast 13 white and blue suites designed according to the traditional Cycladic architectural style.

Having overseen every detail in the creation of Aperanto Suites, Aqua Vista Hotels is aiming to introduce a hotel that reflects its philosophy and unique signature. For more info please see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2017/03/14/aperanto-suites-santorini-aqua-vista-hotels/

Mykonian Mare Luxury Boutique Hotel undergoes a full revamp

The Mykonian Mare Luxury Boutique Hotel, located in Agios Stefanos in Mykonos, was recently revamped and is ready to welcome guests for 2017. Following a renovation that began and was completed last year, the Mykonian Mare will open its doors in spring 2017 with exclusive five-star services and top-notch facilities, aiming to satisfy even the most demanding of guests.

With new spaces, in addition to its renovated areas, such as the Boutique Spa & Gym and the Skyfall rooms, the hotel promises its guests unique moments of relaxation in elegantly designed rooms offering breathtaking views of Mykonos, Delos and Tinos. For more info please see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2017/03/03/mykonian-mare-renovation-spring-2017/

New Aqua Park to launch at the Riviera Olympia Resort this summer

This summer, the Grecotel Riviera Olympia Resort in the Peloponnese – consisting of Mandola Rosa Suites & Villas, Olympia Riviera Thalasso Luxury Resort and Olympia Oasis All Inclusive Resort – will unveil an amazing brand new 10,000 sq.m Olympia Aqua Park. Unsurpassed in location, lavishness and design, this favourite beach retreat awaits families to create their own holiday fairytale. Consisting of the 3 different aforementioned properties, there are also news in this front. Mandela Rosa is also unveiling its new beachfront villas and there is also upgraded accommodation in Riviera Olympia Thalasso, exciting new dining concepts and a plethora of new activities for all ages.

Athens International Airport becomes carbon neutral.

Athens International Airport (AIA) has become the first airport in Greece to be classified as “carbon neutral”. AIA has achieved carbon-neutral status (Level 3+), as certified by the Airport Council International's (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation management programme. This brings the total number of carbon neutral airports around the world to 28 — 25 in Europe, two in Asia and one in North America. Athens Airport managed to drastically reduce its carbon footprint from 2005 through 2015, following a years-long effort to diminish energy consumption in its installations, through a number of interventions and investments in more efficient equipment among other actions. For more info please see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2017/01/11/athens-international-airport-becomes-carbon-neutral/

New Tours

Celestyal Cruises adds Samos to its itineraries

Celestyal Cruises recently announced the addition of the Greek island of Samos to its 3- and 4-day Iconic Aegean itineraries. After evaluating more than 85,000 valid questionnaires, Celestyal Cruises found its passengers considered Samos in the north eastern Aegean as one of the top destinations on the company's itineraries. Other Greek destinations included in the 3- and 4-day Iconic Aegean itineraries are Piraeus, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini.

Samos offers many delights, including a stroll through the lovely main square of Vathi. The island is also home to a wonderful wine museum where visitors are introduced to artistry and tradition of local wine production. Celestyal Cruises will also offer passengers the chance to tour the picturesque seaside village of Kokkari, a small, homey port and home to some of the Aegean's most envied beaches. For more information, please see here: http://www.celestyalcruises.uk/en/celestyal-cruises-welcomes-samos-to-its-2017-iconic-aegean-itineraries-1

Load off your back introduces New Greek product

Sister company of Ramblers Walking Holidays, Load Off Your Back just added to their successful UK programme another Greek holiday package. Encompassing 72 kilometres and designed to offer a real taste of Greece away from the resorts, Walk the Ionian Jewels of Corfu and Paxos combines sections of the spectacular 220 kilometre Corfu Trail with time-worn mule paths or 'kalderimia', offering a tranquil introduction to some of the most picturesque and untouched sections of the island. The walking on Corfu is interspersed with two nights on the peaceful island of Paxos, including a day enjoying a circular route around the island, dotted with olive groves and pretty coves.

Highlights of the new tour include hikes through the juniper bush laden windswept dunes surrounding Corfu's largest lake, Korission Lagoon – an important stop for migrating birds with pockets of ancient rare cedar forest and a wonderful array of sand orchids in spring. There is also time to enjoy the Venetian architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Corfu town.

Walk the Ionian Jewels of Corfu & Paxos 8 day journey starts from £759/person and includes B&B accommodation and includes luggage transfers, transport where noted in the itinerary, ferry crossings, maps, route notes and 24 hour contact for emergencies. For more information see here: http://www.loadoffyourback.co.uk/?page=walk&country=walk_greece&id=GR_002

Destination Updates

Contemporary Art Show “Documenta 14” hosted in Athens

One of the world's leading contemporary arts shows, the “documenta 14: Learning from Athens”, is set to kick off in Athens on April 8 and run through to July 12, bringing the Greek capital into the international art spotlight. This is the first time since documenta14's inception in 1955, that the contemporary art exhibit held exclusively in the German city of Kassel, will be jointly hosted by a second city.

More than 130 artists will display their works during the 100 days of the exhibition throughout the museums, buildings and public spaces of Athens. The exhibition will include paintings, installations, music and film festivals.

One of the key projects of this year's exhibition is the Parthenon of Books. The Parthenon of Books is a symbol of opposition to the banning of writings and the persecution of their authors. For the realization of this work, Argentine artist Marta Minujín and the documenta 14 team are collecting books that have now been published anew after having been banned for years. For more information, please see here: http://www.documenta14.de/en/

Official opening of the Greek National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The Greek National Opera launches its new era at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center with an ambitious work, Richard Strauss' one-act opera Elektra [Electra] −based on Sophocles' same name tragedy and one of the most important and challenging operas of the 20th century − as its first production premiering on the 15th of October 2017. The production also marks the first collaboration between the GNO and world class Greek mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa, who will star as Clytemnestra in all performances. The opera will be directed by the international Greek director and set designer Giannis Kokkos and conducted by the internationally acclaimed conductor Vasilis Christopoulos.

The GNO's relocation to its new facilities at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center also marks a new period in its operations. The existence of a 450 seat Alternative Stage is going to be used as a stage for experimental and interdisciplinary projects. The GNO's Alternative Stage aims to become a creative nexus, where creative dialog between young and well-established artists from the fields of music and theater can be developed. For more information, please see here: http://www.nationalopera.gr/en/

South Aegean Receives 'European Region of Gastronomy 2019' Title

The Region of South Aegean officially received the “European Region of Gastronomy 2019” title by an independent jury, during a special ceremony at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens. The second region to receive the title was Sibiu (Romania).

The European Region of Gastronomy award aims to contribute to better quality of life in European regions, by highlighting distinctive food cultures, educating for better health and sustainability and stimulating gastronomic innovation. For more information, please see here: http://news.gtp.gr/2017/01/26/south-aegean-european-region-gastronomy-2019-title/

Athens included in the Best European Destinations list

Athens was named as the 4th Best European Destination for 2017, according to the results of the eighth online competition organized by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization.

Twenty selected destinations competed for the prestigious title of Best European Destination 2017 from January 20 and after a three weeks' period of online voting, Porto won the title of Best European Destination for the third time.

The top 15 destinations will be promoted to millions of travellers as the trendiest destinations to visit in 2017, on the Best European Destinations website, the first site dedicated to the promotion of tourism in Europe. For more information, please see: http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/european-best-destinations-2017/

Greek hotels awarded across various categories

• Ikos Oliviain Halkidiki, northern Greece, was elected by opinion portal Holiday Check as the most popular luxury hotel in the world.
• Racconto Boutique Design Hotel in Parga, Epirus, is proud to have won the Global Award in the category “New Luxury Hotel of the Year” from Luxury Travel Guide.
• Creta Maris Beach Resort in Crete recently received the 2016 Award of Excellence from Booking.com.

For more information on what to see and do in Greece, please visit www.visitgreece.gr.

-Ends-

For further press information, please contact: Panos Papadopoulos, Greek National Tourism Organisation, GNTO UK & Ireland Office, T: 020 74959311, E: pr@gnto.co.uk