
The decision by Selectour, France’s leading network of independent travel agencies, to hold its 12th Annual Conference in Greece was a vote of confidence in Greek tourism, Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Friday, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency. The minister made the statement in the context of the conference, which was taking place at a central Athens hotel with the participation of more than 400 delegates.
Kikilias expressed his satisfaction with the conference, stating:
“It is a great honour for us to hold the conference in the capital of the country, in a new era for tourism. It is a great honour for us because Greece’s ties with France are historic, strong and multi-layered.”
Addressing the managers of what he described as the most historic and largest network of travel agents in France, Kikilias emphasised that Athens is one of the most charming capitals in Europe. “To know and love this city, you have to walk it. A walk through its historic centre is enough to feel it.”
A city that is the birthplace of Western civilization but continues to produce modern culture. An open book that is “read” daily by its 5,000,000 inhabitants and millions more readers-visitors who are fascinated by its “pages,” he said.
In his intervention, Kikilias expressed his belief that, following this conference and the experience that the delegates will have gained from Athens, the Greek capital will be the next ultimate city break destination all year round and especially in the off season. He also noted that the French “have honoured us and are honouring us by choosing [Greece] for their summer holidays and not only those,” as shown by arrivals, which exceeded those of 2019.
Kikilias expressed to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency his hope that Greece will rank first in the preference of the French for their holidays in the next tourist year. He noted that they are discovering all of Greece’s tourist products, beyond the sun and sea model.
Finally, the minister spoke about the national strategy for tourism, underlining that it aims to extend the tourist season throughout the Greek territory, in all destinations, both more or less developed.


Latest News

Newly Appointed Dep. Development Minister Aristos Doxiadis Resigns
His resignation has been accepted by the Prime Minister, and his replacement is expected to be announced in the coming days

Metropolitan Ioannis of Korce New Archbishop of Albania
Following the announcement of the election, church bells rang joyfully in Orthodox churches across Albania

Greece Faces Renewed Fears of Water Crisis Ahead of Summer 2025
Following a prolonged drought that began in 2024, fears of a water crisis highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements

Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and More Seek Collaboration with Greek Unis
Greece's former Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis announces an €82 million funding boost to support the partnerships

Greek Government Reshuffle Brings in More Young Technocrats
Greek PM Mitsotakis has brought in younger leaders and technocrats in a bid to accelerate the government's efforts at modernization and efficiency, according to New Democracy insiders

Greece’s New Government Members Sworn in at Presidential Mansion
Greece's new government members were sworn in on Saturday morning and head straight to work through the first meeting of the new cabinet.

Moody’s Upgrades Greece to Investment Grade, Ending Crisis Era
The rating agency raised Greece’s long-term credit rating to Baa3 from Ba1, with a stable outlook.

EFET on World Consumer Day: Humanity Faces New Challenges
This year’s message emphasizes the need for a transition to sustainable lifestyles while safeguarding consumers’ legally recognized rights. This means ensuring access to essential goods such as food and energy, as well as health and safety.

Athens Hotels Lead Europe in Value Growth for Third Year
Over the entire period from 2015 to 2024, the average annual increase in hotel value was 6.1%.

Unemployment Rate in Greece Down 8.9% in January: IOBE
The unemployment rate in Greece recorded a further decline in January 2025, reaching 8.9%, according to the latest Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE) report.