
Athens won two important awards at this year’s international World Travel Awards, proving the upward trajectory of the city in recent years in the field of tourism as well.
Top Cultural Destination
At the event, which this year took place in Mallorca, Spain, Athens managed, through the Development and Tourism Promotion Company of the Municipality of Athens (EATA), to win the title of Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2022 among important destinations such as Paris, Rome, London, Lisbon, Edinburgh, Prague and Venice.
Best Convention and Visitors Bureau Award
Of special importance for the Greek capital is the award of Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board, which was won by the Office of the Municipality of Athens (This is Athens – CVB), competing for the respective management and promotion structures of major European destinations. cities (Berlin, Madrid, Lisbon, London and Rome).
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The Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board 2022 award comes to “seal” the successful management and promotion of the destination – in the context of the integrated tourism development strategy of the Municipality of Athens – which is confirmed by the arrivals of visitors to Athens, in 2021 and 2022. It is also the culmination of the city’s rise in the world ranking of organizing conferences and events, since last year Athens was ranked 6th in Europe and 8th in the world (according to the ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association).
Record attendance
This year’s awards attracted more than 2.3 million votes, recording the highest participation in the history of the institution. Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakoyannis congratulated the EATA team for these important distinctions and emphasized that Athens has to offer its visitors not only its great cultural heritage, but also upgraded tourist infrastructure and services, ideal conditions for holidays all year round and unique authentic experiences.
The awards for the destination of Athens were received at a special ceremony in Majorca by the CEO of EATA, Epaminondas Mousios, who in his statement pointed out: “The Athens award confirms our strategy for a sustainable, resilient and accessible city and highlights the efficiency with which the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the municipality manages and promotes the tourism product of Athens”.
Tourism industry “Oscar”
It is noted that the World Travel Awards have been organized every year since 1993 and are considered the “Oscars” of the tourism industry.
The awards honor all sectors and tourism professionals – official bodies, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, etc. – through an open online vote. Votes come mainly from professionals working in the travel and tourism sector, but also from travelers themselves.


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