Kikilias: The 12th Conference of Selectour in Greece a vote of confidence

The decision by Selectour, France’s leading network of independent travel agencies, to hold its 12th Annual Conference in Greece was a vote of confidence in Greek tourism, Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Friday, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency. The minister made the statement in the context of the conference, which was taking place at a central Athens hotel with the participation of more than 400 delegates.

Kikilias expressed his satisfaction with the conference, stating:

“It is a great honour for us to hold the conference in the capital of the country, in a new era for tourism. It is a great honour for us because Greece’s ties with France are historic, strong and multi-layered.”

Addressing the managers of what he described as the most historic and largest network of travel agents in France, Kikilias emphasised that Athens is one of the most charming capitals in Europe. “To know and love this city, you have to walk it. A walk through its historic centre is enough to feel it.”

A city that is the birthplace of Western civilization but continues to produce modern culture. An open book that is “read” daily by its 5,000,000 inhabitants and millions more readers-visitors who are fascinated by its “pages,” he said.

In his intervention, Kikilias expressed his belief that, following this conference and the experience that the delegates will have gained from Athens, the Greek capital will be the next ultimate city break destination all year round and especially in the off season. He also noted that the French “have honoured us and are honouring us by choosing [Greece] for their summer holidays and not only those,” as shown by arrivals, which exceeded those of 2019.

Kikilias expressed to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency his hope that Greece will rank first in the preference of the French for their holidays in the next tourist year. He noted that they are discovering all of Greece’s tourist products, beyond the sun and sea model.

Finally, the minister spoke about the national strategy for tourism, underlining that it aims to extend the tourist season throughout the Greek territory, in all destinations, both more or less developed.