04-03-2010: “HAPCO and Athens Convention Bureau join forces to boost conference tourism”

The
adoption of common actions and the better coordination of forces to improve the
competitiveness of the conference product of Athens
and the dynamic growth of conference tourism in Greece were agreed upon by the
Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO) and the Athens
Convention Bureau (ACB).

During
a meeting, the two organisations reviewed the current situation of the Greek
conference market and exchanged viewpoints and information on developments in
the international market, while agreeing on a series of common efforts and planned
actions that are scheduled for implementation.

The
two bodies agreed:

• To work together on a study that will determine the economic
  impact and development contribution of conference activity within the broader
  context of tourism and national economy.
• To move ahead with coordinated promotional, marketing and
  public relations efforts, particularly abroad, with the main goal of improving
  the image of Greece and Athens as conference destinations, to generate positive
  publicity and achieve the entrance of the Greek conference product into large
  and emerging conference markets.
• On the necessity to proceed with the construction of the
  International Metropolitan Conference Centre, which will complement the
  existing conference potential of the city and contribute to attracting more
  international conferences and events.

In
addition, they applauded the positive response of Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister
Angela Gerekou in regards to the initiative to establish a Conference Tourism
Committee. The committee's objective will be to study and process proposals and
actions for the effective promotion of Greece's conference product and the
better organisation of the conference tourism market.

Taking
part in the meeting from HAPCO were D. Astras, President of the Board of
Directors; D. Mantzios, Honorary President and Board Member; P. Podimatas,
Vice-president of the Board; and S. Lignou, Secretary on Special Matters.

Representing the Athens Convention Bureau were P. Arkoumaneas, CEO of
the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company (ATEDCo); G. Angelis,
Director of the ACB; and N. Kefala, the ACB's Business Development Manager.