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Greece: Navigating Towards a Bright Future in Global Cruising

In an era when the global cruise industry is again developing, Greece stands at the helm, ready to steer towards a future filled with growth, innovation, and unparalleled cruising experiences. The resilience and dynamism of the cruise sector are evident, with the industry set to welcome more than 36 million passengers by 2026, making it one of the healthiest travel sectors. With its 49 unique destinations, Greece is poised to become a cornerstone of this vibrant future. The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) is at the forefront of this transformative journey, with a visionary mission to establish Greece as a premier, forward-looking, and continuously evolving cruise destination. The GNTO primarily aims to leverage Greece's extensive array of islands, endless coastlines, and rich terrestrial diversity to foster human-centric tourism narratives. This strategy is designed to create deep, sustainable connections between visitors and the country's unique cultural, historical, and natural tapestry, ensuring that every journey is memorable and immersed in local authenticity. The Greek cruise industry epitomises the rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that Greece is renowned for, offering many experiences that cater to the desire for exploration and relaxation. Every destination, from the iconic whitewashed houses of the Aegean islands to the majestic historical sites and superb gastronomy, shares a unique narrative, inviting travellers to embark on extraordinary journeys beyond the ordinary. The industry's commitment to growth and sustainability is evidenced by the significant expansion of its fleet, with the introduction of 11 new cruise ships in 2024, another 16 in 2025, and more in the following years. This expansion reflects a substantial investment in the future of cruising and underscores the industry's dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation on a global scale. Although these ships will serve destinations worldwide, Greece's prominence as a premier cruising destination is reinforced by its proactive adaptation to these developments. Sustainability and social responsibility are pivotal to the global cruise industry, which is collectively aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 to reduce environmental impact and foster sustainable travel practices worldwide. This commitment reflects a broad-based effort to promote responsible and sustainable travel, ensuring that the cruise industry at large contributes positively to the ecological and cultural preservation of destinations it touches. This global framework encourages all participating countries and operators to invest in renewable energy sources and develop sustainable port infrastructure, contributing to a comprehensive approach that enriches passengers' experiences and upholds the integrity of natural and cultural environments around the world. The diversity of the Greek cruise sector stands out as one of its key strengths, offering an array of itineraries that traverse the nation's islands and coastlines. This versatility caters to all types of cruisers, from families exploring the Aegean's gems in Crete, Rhodes, or Mykonos to luxury travellers indulging in the splendour of the smaller destinations like Paros, Syros, Lesvos, and Agios Nikolaos. The upcoming expansion of the global cruise fleet will open new opportunities for exploration and enjoyment within Greece's captivating landscapes and seas, enhancing the array of experiences available to visitors. The provision of year-round cruising options further boosts Greece's allure, ensuring a continuous influx of visitors and a significant contribution to both local and national economies.    A Vision for the Future 2023 was a landmark year for Greek cruising, with 5,230 cruise calls and over 7 million passengers welcomed, surpassing previous records and signalling robust development. The increase in passengers, up 14.4% from the record year 2011, showcases the country's capacity and the homeport capabilities from Piraeus, Corfu, Thessaloniki, Lavrion, Heraklion, and Rhodes. This achievement underscores Greece's appeal and its strategic significance in the Mediterranean cruising circuit.  The Path Forward As Greece charts its course towards a pioneering future in cruise tourism, it stands as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable growth, diversity of experience, and the deep, immersive engagement of travellers with the destinations they visit. By prioritising environmental conservation, embracing new opportunities in cruising, and focusing on the holistic well-being of each visitor, Greece is not just a destination but a journey towards a future where tourism and environmental stewardship exist in harmony. The essence of this vision is a call to immerse oneself in the destination, allowing Greece to craft unforgettable, sustainable narratives for all who venture its way. By fostering collaborations between ports, government bodies, local communities, and cruise lines, Greece aims to take this tourism sector to the next level of development. Overall, the journey ahead for Greece in the cruise industry is filled with promise and lots of philoxenia.

03/06/2024
Greece: Navigating Towards a Bright Future in Global Cruising
Travel Tips

Zorba the Greek project – The Gastronomy

Zorba the Greek, the hero of author Kazantzakis “lives” in Eastern Halkidiki! KOUZINA, a gastronomic attraction on the land of Zorba! Small traditional taverns and coffeehouses in the market of Palaiochori found in plain spaces. Wooden chairs and tables, clean tablecloths, vases adorned with seasonal wildflowers, modest dinnerware, Greek meze made of all available ingredients. Gastronomic influence stemming from the diversity of the place. Places where the metal miners inevitably meet, spots of political confrontations (as always), places of joy as well as relaxation, rest, and liberation, all enchant primarily the male population, but also the aristocratic women, as they are all sat together on the daily or Sunday table. In the crowded kitchens, there is another world: mothers, mothers-in-law and aunts peeling mountains of potatoes, hovering over the heat of pans filled with frizzling pork bits, while the younger ones are meddling in the roasting, moving around, joking, nagging, and carrying the meze. The cuisine of Palaiochori has a special history: it uses sausages made of locally grown pork, grated orange peels, whole mashed lemons. Smashed roasted potatoes, a local recipe to make squashed velvety potatoes. Yaprakia - cured pork wrapped in cabbage leaves grown in the local fields – wild cabbage – full of the earthy aromas of the wet soil. Tsiyaridia - frizzling pork bits sautéed in olive oil and a blend of a thousand mountain herbs! It is the fascinating ferocity of traditional Greek cuisine that shines on the fresh ingredients in a defining manner, without smoothing them down or clouding them, but rather letting them speak for themselves. The tavern is a concept born out of poverty. And that is exactly what equips it with an iron backbone. This is why it has survived up to this day, while remaining a timeless symbol of our popular culture. The gastronomic truth of Palaiochori is presented in its entirety in a wonderful event organized by KOUZINA 2024. You can read more about it here and make a reservation!         

03/06/2024
Zorba the Greek project – The Gastronomy
Travel Tips

Live your myth in Greece-As you set out for Ithaka

I remember from my early years I used to read a lot of Greek mythology, especially Iliad and Odyssey by Homer. The latter one still pulls me together like a flame that never goes out, poem of Kavafy also contributed to that. Thus was born my dream to visit the Ionian island to experience the world of Greek heros. Some years passed from the age of eight when I just played Odysseus to the age of 23 when I was walking on the ground he trod on, but eventually life will take you where it's supposed to be. So it happened, I got gathered with my friends somehow karmically we ended up in Kefalonia. I totally forgot to mention that I am from Crete, so Greek crystal waters isn’t something that surprises me cause I was born with this scenery. And yet the islands of the Ionian Sea enchanted me, and I was enchanted because I could not resist being there, near the land of Calypso, and not visiting the homeland of Odysseus. So we searched the tourist guides, we talked to some agencies and a few more locals and ended up at VIP cruises Kefalonia to book our long-awaited cruise. Sotiris, the captain of the boat, contacted us in order to explain our options. He made us a reservation for the 29th of July, the weather was very good with no wind therefore we started. The starting point of our trip was Sami, although the base of the VIP Cruises is in Poros they came and took us away. Swimming was very important to us, as we live in London, so we had informed the crew to organise a suitable route. The swimming stops were four: Sarakiniko, Filiatra, Goat and Marmakas bay. All the beaches were amazing but my favourite was the Goat, as you can see some of my photos below. Our trip continued to Kioni and Vathi, there we had the opportunity to visit the places that Homer mentioned in his epics. Specifically we stopped at afales from there a bus came and took us to the palace of Ulysses and the famous school of homer. A guide explained every single detail of the monuments to us throughout the tour, making the sights even more vivid. I was enchanted, I couldn't believe that my dream was coming true, I was watching Odysseus come to life through the memories of my childhood readings and the tour guide's reports. George, one of the owners of VIP cruises Kefalonia accompanied us throughout the trip adding his own memories of the years he spent sailing in the bays of Ithaca and walking in the scenic streets of Kioni. The time to return came so we entered Queen D to set sail for Poros harbour. They offered us a bottle of water, some fruits and local wine. Sotiris urged us to take our drinks to the bow, there were some sunbeds, I fell asleep without even realizing it. When I wake up we were back to the harbour, a car was there for us to continue our trip in Kefalonia. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always remember when I think of my happiest moments.

15/05/2024
Live your myth in Greece-As you set out for Ithaka
Visit Greece

Sustainable Tourism: A Key Focus Area of the 9th Our Ocean Conference

Between April 15-17, Greece is hosting the 9th Our Ocean Global Conference, reaffirming its commitment to transition to a “Blue economy”, to achieve a new balance between economic development, social cohesion, and sustainability. As the host country of the High-Level event, Greece is spearheading global efforts to ensure a new relationship between tourism development, marine environment conservation and overall sustainability of local communities, as sustainable tourism can be a core driver to build resilience to climate change crisis and bridge social cohesion gaps. Impacts of Climate Change to Tourist Areas The main impacts of climate change in tourism areas are sea level rise, temperature increase, reduction of rainfall and extreme weather events. At the same time, indirect impacts such as landscape alteration and biodiversity disturbance affect tourism development prospects. The Benefits of Sustainable Coastal Tourism Sustainable coastal tourism can support nature conservation funding, generate new and alternative forms of tourism, achieve better markets, and provide more income opportunities for local communities and sea professionals (i.e. divers, fishers), contributing to population attraction and retention. Sustainable tourism is giving birth to a more nature-conscious visitor, who is willing to spend more to protect and enjoy nature, and live like a local with the locals. Sustainable Tourism in Greece Greece is as one of the world's leading tourism destinations. In recent years, both the Ministry of Tourism and the private sector have made significant progress, adopting sustainable tourism practices. Making Greece a leader in sustainable tourism in the wider Mediterranean region is a bet that we must win for the benefit of society and our rich cultural environment. We are placing special focus on the long-term development and resilience of tourism destinations by establishing environmental protection rules. For example, small Greek islands, destinations with special characteristics and rich potential, are offering services that are based on comprehensive sustainability plans. An Expert Panel on Sustainable Tourism On Wednesday, April 17th, tune in to the Our Ocean Conference YouTube channel as a global panel of experts come together to discuss how blue economies can protect the ocean through sustainable tourism initiatives. About the Our Ocean Conference The Our Ocean Conference (OOC) was first launched under the initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the Secretary of State John Kerry in 2014, aiming to fill in the then-existing gap in global ocean governance. Our Ocean Conference provides an opportunity for ocean leaders and stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges our ocean faces and to demonstrate ocean conservation leadership by making policy, science, funding, partnership, and substantial commitments that will set us on a path to a sustainable future.

16/04/2024
Sustainable Tourism: A Key Focus Area of the 9th Our Ocean Conference
Interviews

The Magical Café of Symi Island: Interview with Thalia Laughlin

My name is Thalia Laughlin and I have been living nomadically for the past few years. My background is in music, but I am also a published author, passionate about the intersection of art, literature and pedagogy. I arrived in Symi by chance and, like so many other people before me, fell in love. Together with my partner Mark Christou, we decided to write a children’s book to capture the magic of Symi. We specifically designed this book to ignite the creative spark in children and promote emotional intelligence through storytelling. 1. What inspired you to set your book on the island of Symi? Arriving to Symi for the first time along my travels, I was instantly enveloped in a tight-knit community where warmth and hospitality were woven into every interaction. From friendly greetings to shared laughter, the island exuded a sense of camaraderie that made me feel instantly at home. Like so many others before me, I was immediately in awe of Symi's natural beauty and its sense of community, which became the main inspiration for “The Magical Café of Symi Island.” We have tried to recreate the magic of Symi but in a way that children can understand it. 2. Can you give us a glimpse into the world you've created within this Greek island setting? What are some of the key locations or landmarks that play a role in the story? What really makes the island unique are the people: the warm welcome by the shop owners, the fishermen, the café owners, and the Yiayias and Papous who are always willing to lovingly share the history of their island. In Symi, coffee shops take a central place in daily social life: it is in cafés that business meetings occur, that old and new friends meet, that important events happen. It is in coffee shops that everyone sits for hours, watching the world go by. And so many of the coffee shop owners in Symi share their warmth and positivity through every cup of coffee. In “The Magical Café of Symi Island,” Maroula does exactly this with every visitor who walks through her doors and it is through these interactions that young readers are introduced to Greek culture, food, friendship, and the magic of international discovery. 3. Are there any particular challenges or joys you experienced while crafting a story set in such a unique and picturesque location? One of our biggest joys in publishing “The Magical Café of Symi Island” was seeing it in the hands of children and adults who know Symi well—either because they are from there or because they often visit—and who found delight in trying to recognize places from the island in the book, likening some of the book’s characters to real people living in Symi. This is the first book written for children about Symi and the momentum it has created both on the island but also throughout Greece and internationally has been heartwarming and very exciting. 4. Illustrations can be a powerful way to bring a setting to life. Can you tell us about the illustrator's contributions to capturing the essence of Symi in your book? The illustrations were particularly fun to create because they were made using Midjourney which is a software that uses artificial intelligence to create illustrations based on prompts. Visually, Symi itself is so colourful in real life that the software created very realistic and vibrant illustrations of the island.

08/04/2024
The Magical Café of Symi Island: Interview with Thalia Laughlin
Travel Tips

Ζorba the Greek project – The Village

Zorba the Greek, the heroe of author Kazantzakis “lives” in Eastern Halkidiki! Paleochori, his village - in the heart of the mountain! “Just follow the routes in the Kakavos forest, full of oaks and beech trees, and imagine Zorba the Greek, whispering you”. This is what Giorgos (a local adventurer) urges to everybody: he has always been inspired by the experience of living in Paleochori, the same village that Alexis Zorbas (Zorba the Greek) used to live in the first decades of the 20th century. Paleochori is a destination, where nature and modern history remain the guiding force, still teaching values. This village of rich or traditional houses, all belong to the miners, seems to have been located there, declaring its strange identity. Stone built or white houses, large balconies and yards, with many rooms and fireplaces are decorated with mines collections. Nature truly dominates. It calms you. Fog comes in the morning and crowns the surrounding hills. Sometimes it merges with the clouds. Trees in their movement are like giants, that cover the whole earth under their shadow. As leaves are falling down, they create a wet carpet on the earth. Under it the soil becomes fertile. Mushrooms and herbs can be found everywhere. A small river in the mountain. Crystal clear water. Giorgos, the adventurer, drinks it. Locals live in authenticity and breathe with the environment. They plant cabbages and potatoes. They ride horses, enjoying the wisdom of each other. They spend time, going to the kafenio (traditional café). They go to the forest as friends. Those who encounter wild pigs do not tremble in fright. They respect animals. Giorgos calls you to follow him. He follows the Zorba the Greek routes in the forest. Hospitality here is like breathing. Giorgos is treating pork chops and strong homemade tsipouro. This is a spontaneous way of saying kalimera (good morning). It’s the real / authentic / same destination, where Zorba the Greek spent 22 years of his life, working as a miner. This is the place in which this typically Greek temperament was nurtured! It is Paleochori, which is introduced to the public and invites you to visit and follow the rules of life and the footsteps of Zorba the Greek. Giorgos and the locals are waiting for you!

29/03/2024
Ζorba the Greek project – The Village
Visit Greece

Proud to Celebrate

Greece is the next host of EuroPride, an international event all about the LGBTQ+ community. After a long wait, Thessaloniki Pride can put its long-standing plans in motion, driven by its very apt slogan: ‘Persevere, Progress, Prosper.’ Here’s what to expect from EuroPride 2024 and its host city Thessaloniki. Save the Date EuroPride will be on from the 21st to the 29th of June 2024, featuring a range of events throughout the city. You’ll get to see everything, from the vast, picturesque port and the grounds of the Thessaloniki International Fair to popular spots, flavours, and experiences. The programme includes discussions about the challenges and successes of Europe’s LGBTQ+ community, but EuroPride is also about revelling in and learning about queer identity. This means that Thessaloniki will be brimming with exhibitions, screenings, conferences, and parties leading up to the EuroPride parade on the 29th. It’s set to transform the city centre into one big street party with the White Tower wreathed in rainbow colours. Thessaloniki Pride Prospers You may be curious. What is it about this city that wins over so many hearts, including EuroPride’s? Thessaloniki has always been a cosmopolitan hub with a rich history and beautiful coastal landscape. In addition to fascinating views and attractions, Thessaloniki is famous for its food, nightlife, and chilled lifestyle. If that’s not enough, its LGBTQ+ presence has thrived over the years. 2012 was the year Thessaloniki started its own pride festival, which has grown at an exciting pace, now welcoming 18,000 people and counting. This attendance and clear appreciation for the chance to celebrate queer identity gives Thessaloniki Pride all the more incentive to keep pushing the envelope in Greece, as well as the Balkans in general. Hosting EuroPride is both an honour and an opportunity. It validates Thessaloniki as an LGBTQ+ champion with Europe’s full support, while boosting Greece’s diversity, awareness, and willingness to combat discrimination. 2024 will see visitors and locals alike come together in gorgeous Thessaloniki to embrace queerness and enjoy nine days of revels in its name.

06/03/2024
Proud to Celebrate
Travel Tips

Complete guide to Florina, the “alpine” city of Greece with sublime nature

Florina is a city in Greece adjacent to the mountains, located in the middle of nature. Florina is therefore an ideal logistical point both for skiing and for carrying out many excursions and activities in contact with nature. When you think of Greece, your first thought goes to summer, the sea and the beaches. But Greece is much more! There are mountain stretches that make you feel like you are in the Alps and the Florina region is the perfect example of this. That is why it is worth staying in the city of Florina! Florina is characterized by a river that crosses the city and which is very suggestive, especially when the surrounding landscape is covered in snow and the river itself is frozen. The city became famous in Greece when the Greek director Theodoros Angelopoulos chose it as the setting of some of his films. One of those is the “Suspended Step of the Stork” where Marcello Mastroianni and Jeanne Moreau starred in. You can find a mural along the river of the town that pays tribute to the film making. You can start the day walking along the river and then take a coffee break in one of the many characteristic bars close to the bank or, if you are a history lover, you can visit the Archaeological Museum which collects various periods of the history of the area. You will also be surprised by the style of some neoclassical houses with colorful facades! One of these hosts the Museum of Contemporary Art with more than 600 works by globally known artists. Staying in Florina is worth the while because it is an ideal starting point for snow lovers, given that the best ski resorts in Greece are a short distance away, but also for nature lovers as there are places with breathtaking landscapes around. Combining a couple of days in Florina during a tour of northern Greece can be a good choice as there are various options on how to have a good time in the area. How to reach the center of Florina and where to sleep to live the Alpine experience Florina is located in Western Macedonia nestled in the northern borders of Greece. It is the most important city in this mountainous area, which has nothing to do with the Greece we know from travel agency catalogues. The city can be reached by car or private transfers. The closest airports are Kozani (although small) and Thessaloniki International Airport Makedonia which is about two and a half hours away. To break up the journey from Thessaloniki, I recommend a stop in Vergina to see the museum of the royal tombs. For those arriving in Greece by car from the port of Igoumenitsa, the distance to travel by car is approximately 3 hours north-east. The connecting highways are very good. There is no shortage of hotels and apartments in the centre, but if you want to live the experience of a 5-star mountain resort, the choice is undoubtedly "The Lynx Mountain Resort": a resort located in a forest and from where you can enjoy the view of the whole city. We are talking about a real Alpine atmosphere complete with SPA, wooden furniture, fireplaces to warm the atmosphere, a great restaurant whose homemade dishes are created by a well-known chef and I can confirm that the fresh pasta was homemade! And to top up the experience, there is even a casino if you are a gambling enthusiast. The area around Florina offers many possibilities for activities immersed in nature The activities that the area offers vary and are also suitable for children, from birdwatching to archery. The adventure of truffle hunting is also very nice, complete with a dog and a skilled guide that help you search and at the end of the experience you can cook a truffle pasta in the middle of the forest! I would like to highlight the points of greatest interest that you can visit in a day starting from the city of Florina: • the VIGLA - PISODERI ski facilities located on Mount Verno: they reach an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters and include 9 ski slopes, 2 cross-country ski slopes and 1 sled run. There is a cozy chalet to enjoy a bit of relaxation with a hot chocolate. Just over an hour's drive away you will also find the Vora-Kaimakatsalan ski resorts. • the PRESPA lake national park, which presents a unique nature with the presence of endangered birds, fish, bears and wolves! A boat tour of the lake is a must among the excursions that are on offer! • Visit the bear sanctuary in Nymfeo and the Nymfeo stone village itself. Consider that it is the only brown bear sanctuary in Greece where the animals have found a safe habitat. Horseback riding is also a typical activity in the area. For example, at the “Western Style Ranch” children can ride horses and feed hay to the animals. The team, very well prepared, works with groups for psychotherapeutic activities, interesting right? Also, archery is available in the outdoors and it is suitable also for children. I tried my hand at the bow, it was such fun! Florina, in addition to being famous for its red peppers, it has a rich mountain cuisine Florina's cuisine is among the richest mountain cuisines in Greece in terms of quality of products used. Florina red peppers are the most famous product and known throughout the world for their sweet taste due to the particular characteristics of the soil and climatic conditions. Here are some typical specialties of Florina's cuisine: • kebapia, or three types of meat (veal, pork and a bit of lamb) minced together and mixed with spices and herbs and barbequed, which is one of the most renowned dishes; • sweet roasted red peppers seasoned with balsamic vinegar and a little parsley flavored oil. We are talking about PDO peppers; • mountain products such as mushrooms and truffles; • Florinella: it is a yellow cheese made from a mix of goat's and sheep's milk; • Prespes beans, which are part of the Florina region, which are also considered a PDO product; • Makalo: fried meatballs immersed in a broth and flour sauce. You can only taste them in these parts. A recommended tavern in the center of Florina to try all these specialties is "Aposperitis" where you will feel at home and the dishes served are of quality. If you are looking for a view of the city instead, then I recommend you go up to the "F.O.O.F" taverna, adjacent to hill paths that lead to the cross that overlooks the city from atop of a hill and a small church. Here you can also try spoon sweets with white pumpkin and walnuts which is an exclusive combination. The wine region that makes Florina comparable to the “Langhe of Greece” After a day spent in the mountains, a delicious dinner should be accompanied by quality wines. And you will not be disappointed! In fact, there are many truly excellent wines, so much so that the Florina region can be considered as the Langhe area of Piedmont, given that some local wines resemble Nebbiolo. The best-known variety is “Xinomavro”, a red and rosé wine, produced since the time of Alexander the Great. The name identifies how the grape is: acidic “xino” and black “mavro”. If you want to do a little wine tasting from the region, you must absolutely stop by the Wine Bar “Αέροινο”, in the center of Florina. The wine tasting is accompanied and paired by the appropriate cheeses and jams, complete with an explanation of each glass by the friendly and professional Mr. Giannis, the owner. Finally, there are many wineries around, among the largest and most famous in all of Greece, open to the public and where you can pay it a visit, as long as you book ahead. There are also specific tours that take you along the "wine routes". Thanks to the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Florina Mrs. Sophia Foudouli, the Mayor’s collaborator Mr. Kostas Papadimitriou and to the Municipality of Florina for helping me discover this part of Greece, who I met at the International Tourism Exhibition “Philoxenia” in Thessaloniki, where its stand stood out.

05/03/2024
Complete guide to Florina, the “alpine” city of Greece with sublime nature
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