Conference on Development of Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism Athens May 20-21, 2016 Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos GNTO, Secretary General

The idea  Greece & Russia: countries bonded with strong historical values, traditions and most of all, religion.  Russia: Greece’s strategic choice.  Two countries having many more common aspects to explore and further expand.

Sectors to be explored  Pilgrimage tourism & national heritage  Interculturality  Alternative forms of tourism combined with pilgrimage tourism  Innovative entrepreneurship

Facts about Greek Tourism  Greece is a friendly country  Excellent climate conditions (during 8 months out of 12)  High-quality tourism infrastructure  Innumerable spectacular points of interest  Infinite cultural heritage  Cost-effective holidays for every taste

Facts about Greek Tourism

Non-residents Arrivals & overnight stays Source: Bank of Greece

Greece as a tourism destination for Russian tourists (IndexBox Marketing © 2014)  Greece is a multifaceted tourism destination that covers every demand.  The Russian tourist market is one of the leading ones for Greece.  2014 the number of incoming Russian tourists overcame Greece’s traditional market sources.  There are immense opportunities for further reciprocal development.

Some observations  Greece is one of the European countries combining cultural & pilgrimage tourism.  Greece is a desired country for Russians to visit; Listed on the top of their list among other countries.

Key points to reconsider  More offered purposes – untold churches, monasteries and religious sites, to exercise the religion duty, side by side with the Greek Nature

Promoting pilgrimage tourism

What next?  Further co-operation in terms of tourism sector and religious education.  Joint initiatives in recording Greek and Russian cultural & religious monuments.  Exchange of innovative ideas.

Thank you Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos GNTO, Secretary General

Greece : A world of Destinations