Attica is banking on a combination of city, sea and culture to attract more events

# tags: Events , IMEX , Greece

The Attica region in Greece showcased its credentials for the MICE sector at IMEX Frankfurt, highlighting its accessibility, the diversity of its venues and the opportunity to combine business and leisure all year round.

The Attica region aims to increasingly establish itself as a leading destination for conferences, corporate events and incentive travel. At IMEX Frankfurt, the destination highlighted a combination of factors it considers key to attracting more events: accessibility, heritage, gastronomy, the sea, the islands and a diverse range of event venues.

“Attica has competitive advantages that make it an ideal destination for MICE tourism and for organising events and conferences,” said Athina Kolyva, Head of the Directorate of Tourism for the Region of Attica, in an interview with Event Point.

Located in the heart of Greece, Attica is the country’s metropolitan region and comprises 66 municipalities, including Athens, the Greek capital, and the port of Piraeus, one of the most important in the Mediterranean. According to Ms Kolyva, accessibility remains one of the destination’s main selling points, alongside the mild climate and the diversity of experiences on offer.

“When visiting Attica, visitors can enjoy culture, world-renowned archaeological sites, exceptional cuisine and an extensive coastline,” she emphasised.

One of the things that really sets the region apart is precisely the proximity of different experiences. “You can imagine yourself in the centre of Athens and, just 20 minutes after visiting the Acropolis, already be on the cosmopolitan Athenian Riviera,” she explained.

Just a few kilometres from the city, visitors will find beaches, marinas and luxury hotels. From the port of Piraeus, it is also possible to reach the islands closest to Athens quickly.

“You can experience the atmosphere of the islands just a short distance from Athens,” emphasised Athina Kolyva, adding that many visitors are also unaware of the region’s wine offerings. “Very close to Athens International Airport, there are award-winning wineries offering unique and authentic experiences.”

According to Ms Kolyva, this diversity of options makes it possible to create programmes that combine work and leisure throughout the year. “We have a veritable kaleidoscope of options. It is possible to combine business and pleasure 365 days a year,” she said.

A destination well-suited to different types of events

When asked about the sectors the region is seeking to attract, Athina Kolyva assured that Attica is well-equipped to host events across a wide range of sectors. “We can support events in the medical, wellness and nautical sectors, amongst many others. We are well-equipped to host all kinds of events,” she said.

Cultural and entertainment activities are also abundant throughout the year. She pointed out that the region regularly hosts major international concerts and large-scale events, highlighting its organisational capacity and the expertise of local operators.

As regards international markets, the region continues to focus on traditional European markets, but is also seeing growth in demand from long-haul destinations. “We welcome many visitors from the United States, South Korea, China and India, who choose Athens and Attica because of all these competitive advantages,” she explained.

The Indian market is emerging as one of the most promising, particularly in the luxury weddings segment. “Attica is able to cater very well to this market because it has numerous properties, state-of-the-art venues and high-quality services provided by experienced professionals,” she added.

From the Athenian Riviera to major cultural venues

The range of venues is another of the strengths highlighted by the director. The region offers venues for events of various sizes and formats, from four- and five-star hotels to museums, cultural centres and outdoor venues.

“The Athenian Riviera is a particularly interesting choice, because it allows you to experience both the energy of the city and the proximity of the sea at the same time. That is what sets Attica and Athens apart from many other destinations,” she said.

Despite the strong demand for leisure tourism that characterises Athens, Athina Kolyva believes that the region continues to offer excellent conditions for hosting events throughout the year. “We have highly experienced professionals and a mild climate that allows events to be organised not just during the summer,” she said. For this reason, she encourages organisers to consider alternative periods. “Autumn and winter are excellent options. We continue to enjoy pleasant temperatures, exceptional cuisine and all the necessary infrastructure to host high-quality events.”

In conclusion, she conveyed a message of confidence to international organisers. “We have all the necessary resources to host a successful event. We have highly experienced companies and all the services required to ensure flawless organisation.”