How has business developed for you over the last few years?
We have had two very hard years in Athens due to the economic crisis and the distorting images broadcast by the news about the situation in the city, which resulted in cancellations of many events. However, we would like to thank all organisers who didn’t lose faith in our city’s potential to successfully organise events.
We have developed partnerships with key stakeholders in the local and international meetings industry and with the support and encouragement of the Mayor of Athens, we have implemented marketing and B2B activities for Athen’s promotion.
What is the USP of the destination?
Athens is a city with a rich history and culture, modern conference venues, luxury and mid-scale hotels, gastronomy and social activities. In Athens you are bound to leave wiser, as you are given the opportunity to host an event or a social function in some of humanity’s most important sites and feel embraced by the city’s 2,500 years of history. Organising an event in Athens offers the opportunity to combine business, cultural enlightenment and pleasure. Furthermore, Athens is the only European Capital surrounded by an amazing Riviera and nearby islands ideal for pre- and post-event activities. In this cosmopolitan European Metropolis and a hub of cultures, every delegate will feel home.
Largest event the city has held?
Indisputably, it was the 2004 Olympic Games. It was the milestone that we had to cross in order to prove that Athens is a destination with great expertise to organise major events. Hosting the Games was an opportunity to showcase the city’s potential in becoming a leading MICE destination and to understand that co-operation is key to the success of every event.
Prediction for the future?
Athens is changing for the better. The city of Athens has succeeded in being the first local government to receive direct allocation from the EU’s Structural Funds for the development and embellishment of the city centre and surrounding areas. New developments, such as the Opera House and Fix Museum are underway to ensure organisers have greater options when running their events in the city.
The city reached 40th in the 2012 ICCA rankings, sharing the spot with Mexico City. With this in mind, Athens will once again become a top destination for event organisers.
This was first published in issue 72 of CMW. Any comments? Email cmw@mashmedia.net
