Mohit Rathod – Mumbai
Greece is finally looking at the India market. A travel trade delegation from Greece, in association with Emirates, recently held a presentation session for the travel fraternity in Mumbai. The delegation included Vassilios Kontos, board member of the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA); Tonia Andronikou, president, Tourism Committee of Mykonos Island Municipality; Antonis Mallis, representative of Milos Island Municipality; and Maria Alifrangi, vice president, Signature Travel.
Milos Island was promoted for the first time in India market through this presentation session. Mallis said, “Milos is mainly an FIT destination; we do groups, but small ones such as top corporate groups. Milos is majorly for very niche markets. It is for people who want something different; those who prefer an off beaten track. We are currently targeting only Mumbai. We have come here at the right time, because more and more travel agents in India are interested in Greece.”
Kontos informed, “MICE is doing well in Greece. We have a good number of islands and the mainland has good facilities for MICE. The existing infrastructure and the hotels cater to any kind of MICE requirements. There is a lot of connectivity options from India to Greece, on carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.” He added, “We are currently building relations with Indian travel trade. Greece was not much visited by Indians until now, but after our interactive sessions, I believe that Indian travel trade has realised the potential of our tourism products. Greece is not very expensive, so people can enjoy long weekends here.”
Andronikou had a lot to share on Mykonos as well. She was confident that her region has the right ingredients in place to statify the travel wishlist of the Indian traveller who is looking for extraordinary experiences. Alifrangi was looking forward to welcoming more Indians who would also savour the local Greek flavours and cuisine. According to her, a destination can be best enjoyed if the local flavours in all its facets can be experienced.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Sunil S Kallyat, regional manager, Western India, Emirates, said, “I am delighted that the delegates from Greece have come here to interact with their Indian counterparts. It is a win-win situation for both, the delegation and Emirates, in order to jointly promote Greece as a destination.”
(With inputs from Reema Lokesh)
