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As the trend toward a wider variety of tourism products emerges, Greece is well placed to offer highly attractive alternative tourism options
New.Tourism.Products,.A.New.Tourism.Philosophy
As the trend toward a wider variety of tourism products emerges, Greece is well placed to offer highly attractive alternative tourism options. Investors will find attractive incentives to develop new, thematic tourism offerings, from traditional settlements than can be converted into mini resorts, to numerous possibilities in health tourism, religious tourism, gastronomic tourism or sports tourism.
It is estimated that more than 25% of travelers from Europe seek new, alternative tourism products. This well-educated and affluent demographic sector welcomes the opportunity to participate in out-of-the-ordinary.experiences.in.non-traditional.tourism.settings.
Greece is able to offer a multitude of these special-interest niches. As a complement to its core product of sun, sand, and sea, Greece’s extraordinary landscape and natural resources, cultural and historical wealth, as well as its tradition of hospitality translate into appealing investment opportunities.
One of the greatest benefits of thematic tourism is its suitability as a 12-month opportunity. Special-interest activities attract adherents year round, providing a revenue stream the entire year, rather than.seasonally,.as.is.the.case.in.traditional.visits.
Advantages.of.Investing.in.Thematic.Tourism
-Highly.diverse.natural.resources
-Significant.unmet.demand,.huge.potential.for.growth
-Exceptional.cultural.and.historic.wealth
-Well-developed.tourism.infrastructure.to.complement.thematic.products
-Leading.tourism.destination.globally
Greece is dedicated to transforming its wealth of resources into valuable products for the international traveler. Investors are invited to develop thematic tourism options that take advantage of these unique.assets.
The Greek government has identified tourism infrastructure development as a priority target and encourages the development of new forms of alternative tourism that can perfectly complement its traditional.product..Greece.attracts.more.than.17.million.visitors.annually.
Ecotourism
Greece’s breathtaking landscape and wealth of unique ecosystems is a superb setting to provide ecotourism experiences. As travelers become deeply interested in the natural environment, the opportunities to create one-of-a-kind ecotourism products are huge. With Ramsar Treaty sites, some of the most abundant and diverse flora and fauna in Europe, a wealth of agricultural areas, iconic mountains, unpolluted rivers, and exceptional habitats, Greece is perfectly suited to be a magnet for eco tourists the year round. This untapped market promises tremendous growth and the Greek government.supports.a.variety.of.developments.with.attractive.incentives.
Sports.Tourism
The land that gave birth to the Olympic Games, and organised in 2004 one of the most successful Olympic Games ever, is ideal for the development of sports tourism. From sailing to spelunking, trekking to paragliding, Greece is well-suited to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world, who can engage in a diverse number of activities while enjoying the abundant attractions throughout the country, from spectacular scenery to breathtaking beaches.
Success.Stories
The.Euroleague.Final.4.Athens.2007
The.2009.Athens.CSI2*-W.(Equestrian).international
The.WRC.Acropolis.Rally.of.Greece.(annual)
The.Athens.Grand.Prix.Tsiklitiria.(part.of.the.IAAF.Grand.Prix)
The.annual.Aegean.Regatta
Upcoming.events
2013.Mediterranean.Games
Athens 2011 Special Olympics
Health.Tourism
Greece is well known for its wealth of excellent doctors and medical professionals, who study and train in some of the finest universities in Europe and North America. This resource is increasingly becoming a strategic asset, as patients discover the benefits of receiving health care where expertise can be combined with both cost savings and an attractive recuperative environment. The World Health Organization ranks the Greek healthcare system in 14th place in its global listing of 191 countries.
Cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation centres, fertility clinics, and dialysis treatment in a resort environment are but of the few areas that are proving to be successful in the area of health tourism. One of the most appealing facets of treatment in Greece is the option to recuperate in a beautiful environment and enjoy the many pleasures of Greek hospitality. A new law supporting health tourism is.expected.to.be.passed.in.2010.
Physician Density (per 1,000 people)
Source: World Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2010
Religious.Tourism
Greece's religious heritage attracts visitors from around the world, who visit churches, cathedrals and monasteries located throughout the country, often in spectacular locations. Religious tourism integrates spiritual, cultural, and historical themes and delves into the rich tapestry of Greece's national identity. In addition to embarking on spiritual journeys to Christian Orthodox monasteries such as Mt. Athos and those of Meteora, strikingly perched atop towering peaks, visitors come to Greece to appreciate and study unique Byzantine and post-Byzantine artifacts, including icons and iconography, mosaics, murals and shrines. Places of worship, from simple island churches to imposing cathedrals, are repositories of centuries of religious practice, and whose wealth resonates widely.
On the island of Patmos, for instance, thousands of visitors follow in the footsteps of St. John the Theologan at the Cave of the Apocalypse, where he is said to have written the Book of Revelation. Such experiences complement more popular and traditional forms of tourism and provide singular opportunities.throughout.Greece.
World Heritage Cultural Sites
Source: World Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2010
Agrotourism
As travelers the world over demonstrate an interest in sustainability and eco practices, agro tourism is becoming one of the most dynamic sectors of the thematic tourism market. Based in rural areas and centered around agricultural lifestyles, agrotourism focuses on developing a closer relationship with our natural environment and the people and communities who inhabit and make a living off the land. Agrotourists live and often work alongside local residents, learning about agricultural practices in a “hands-on” approach, one that generates income for agrobusinesses or host families, and opens a world of educational opportunities for visitors. Agrotourism is an economic driver in remote, regional areas, often of great natural beauty, and can act as a magnet to draw visitors to local festivals and celebrations, spur the production and sale of local products, and create strong cross-cultural social bonds. In addition, agrotourism integrates well with other forms of thematic tourism such as adventure.and.sports.tourism,.religious.tourism,.and.historical.and.wellness.tourism.
Greece offers abundant opportunities in this growing market, which offers holiday experiences in dedicated agro villages or the chance to create new products, incorporating local traditions and customs.
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