The hashtags #unlockthefeeling and #OhMyGreece want to engage social media users

The Greek Tourism Organisation (GTO) hope to engage social media users through their latest video promoting Greece as a perfect destination.
Discover Greece website released the video, which is part of a project of a new campaign launched by Marketing Greece, a tourism marketing organisation founded by the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE).
The video using the hashtags #OhMyGreece and #unlockthefeeling, shows a tourist reliving past moments in beautiful Greece.

Source: en.protothema.gr

Strategy manager of Mykonos – Santorini – Aegean Islands Promo and Ambassador of the Hellenic – American Chamber of Commerce in New York, Mykonos based, Mr. Kostas Skagias,, interviewed by the publisher of the Hellenic Golden Directory New York and the news portal Hellenic Daily News New York, Mrs. Eva Plakas.

Mr. Skagias, talked about the important, for Greece and especially for the Aegean islands destinations of Mykonos and Santorini, US outbound tourism market as well as about the promotional activities that are being implemented by Mykonos-Santorini-Aegean Islands Promo project in the USA.

He pointed out that the American visitor is the ideal guest for our islands as he has a high educational and income profile and expressed his view that Greece and especially the Aegean islands could attract more US American visitors by joining efforts and coordinating actions.

The US American travel outbound market is among the top 5 most important markets in Greece, and the number one for the South Aegean Islands and especially for Mykonos and Santorini, according to official data.

However, for the time being, the US Americans visitors to Greece do not exceed 1 million, whilst at the same time, 32 million US Americans travel abroad worldwide.

“Attracting more US visitors to Greece can be achieved, under current circumstances, if we promote effectively our destinations.”, said the Strategy manager of Mykonos – Santorini – Aegean Islands Promo and Ambassador of the Hellenic – American Chamber of Commerce in New York, Mykonos based.

Mr. Skagias, also, talked about the great potential of Latin – American outbound tourism market.

“We are planning to approach high profile Latin – American visitors through targeted actions in the coming years.”, said Mr. Skagias.

Read the full interview:

E.Plakas: What is Mykonos- Santorini – Aegean Islands Promo project and what are its objectives?

Our project promotes reliable and reputable businesses, who operates in Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Andros, Crete as well as in other South Aegean Islands and who offer high quality luxury services and authentic Greek Hospitality experience in targeted high profile audiences worldwide.

Our Mykonosbest.eu, Santorinibest.eu and Parosbest.eu have become the reference point for many independent travelers, who seek information regarding the destinations and they represent the 57% of total visitors in Greece.

Innovative technologies are being used in every aspect of our promotional activities, combining print with digital, as well as face-to-face meetings with social media.

Specifically, we promote our members:

• in major travel fairs in London, Berlin, New York, Tel Aviv, Moscow, Dubai, Doha, etc.

• through direct business meetings with representatives of major travel agencies and enterprises in the countries we visit,

• through Mykonos Experience Events,

• through associated Chambers of Commerce,

• through email newsletters and social media.

E.Plakas: How important the USA traveler is for the Aegean Islands?

The US American travel outbound market is among the top 5 most important markets in Greece, according to official data.

For the South Aegean Islands and especially for Mykonos and Santorini islands, US American outbound market is the number one, based on the number of arrivals, receipts and overnight stays.

US American visitors, according to the Bank of Greece, are spending almost the half of the total expenses are being made in the South Aegean islands (45,2%) while in Attica they spent about 44% of the total expenses in the region.

For our islands, especially Mykonos and Santorini, US Americans as the “ideal” visitors because of their quality aspects of their travel behavior.

E.Plakas: What are these aspects;

US American visitors have a high educational and income profile. They seek high-quality services and when they are satisfied they turn into repeaters.

For all these reasons, it is a major challenge for us to keep and attract more US American visitors in our islands as well as to create unique services to meet their needs.

E.Plakas: How many US American visitors do they come in Greece every year?

More than 807 thousand US American visitors came to Greece in 2017, while the prospects look positive for the coming years.

Since, around 32 millions US Americans traveled abroad in 2016, according to IPK International survey, there is great potential for Greece to attract more visitors.

E.Plakas: How do you think, this could be achieved?

Join efforts and coordinated actions are required in order for us to attract more US American visitors.

First of all, there is a positive climate for Greece in the USA, which could and should be cultivated more by all actors.

As far as Mykonos – Santorini – Aegean Islands Promo is concerned, we have been successfully participating in the top international tourism exhibition of New York, “The New York Times Travel Show” for the last four (4) years.

We cooperate with Greek and American tour operators, whose field is luxury tourism and we communicate our efforts through targeted promotion in selected media.

We also plan and implement promotional strategies for our islands in the USA, under the auspices of the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce of New York.

In all our actions, we promote both our premium members, who provide high quality luxury services as well as the authentic features of the destinations.

E.Plakas: Do you think that there are markets that you have not fully established?

We believe that the outbound tourism market of Latin America has a great potential for our destinations but we don’t have been fully established yet.

Latin-Americans made around 73,4 million trips in 2017, according to Euromonitor International.

Although, Latin Americans are not the “big spenders” of global tourism, their travel expenses are increasing the recent years.

Within this context, we are planning to approach high profile Latin – American visitors through targeted actions in the coming years. We have already conducted B2B meetings with major Brazil tour operators in Florianopolis and participated in the first tourism workshop “Mykonos Approach”, which was organized by Tourism Department of South Aegean Region and the Vice-Governor of Culture, Mr.Briggos in cooperation with the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Santa Catarina. The workshop and the B2B meetings was part of the fraternization of the two regions and the creation of new partnerships and alliances at tourist and cultural level.

We have a lot of job to do ahead!

The Mykonos – Santorini – Greek South Aegean Islands Promo team participated in the first tourism workshop “Mykonos Approach”, which was recently held in Brazil, showcasing the authentic Greek hospitality and the luxury services of the destination.

Promotions Director, Mrs Alexia Petoni, informed the participants about the South Aegean Islands, focusing in tradition, gastronomy, history and luxury services of the destination.

More than 20 Brazilian tour operators as well as officials and representatives from associations and other tourism organizations got acquainted with Mykonos-Santorini-Greek South Aegean Islands Promo project and the promotional action plan, aiming to attract high profile visitors.

Strategy Manager of the project and Ambassador of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce in New York, Mr. Konstantinos Skagias, in his address, stressed the opportunity offered to both sides to create cooperation in tourism with mutual benefits.

The tourism workshop was organized by Tourism Department of South Aegean Region and the Vice-Governor of Culture, Mr.Stylianos Briggos in cooperation with the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Santa Catarina and is part of the fraternization of the two regions and the creation of new partnerships and alliances at tourist and cultural level.

Among the participants of the event were the Brazilian General Secretary of Tourism, two members of the parliament, the President of Tourism Department of Santa Catarina, the President of the Federation of Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Catarina, the President of the Greek Community, the Chairman of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Florianopolis and the President of Travel Agents Association.

The event was covered by journalists from four national channels, two local and 15 travel bloggers.

Meetings with tour operators and institutions

During their stay in Brazil, Mr. Skagias and the team of Mykonos – Santorini – Greek South Aegean Islands Promo project had B2B meetings with major Brazilian tour operators, specialized in outgoing travel as well as with the board of directors of the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Santa Catarina.

They showcased the new mobile applications and interactive social networking tools, which are designed by a team of experts in the fields of new technology and tourism from London, New York and Mykonos (MTC Group team and www.MykonosBest.eu, www.SantoriniBest.eu). These apps combine the traditional forms of promotion with the digital innovative technology, aiming to to attract upscale millenial visitors to Mykonos and to enhance their knowledge for the Aegean islands.

The representatives of the Federation showed great interest for the innovative approach in promoting the Aegean islands worldwide, who congratulated the members of the project and discussed ways in which respective programs could be developed for the destinations of Santa Catarina. Mr. Skagias offered his support.

The Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Santa Catarina was founded on August 10th, 1948 and has since been a legitimate representative of the interests of the tertiary sector at the state level.

Source: tourismpress.eu

Mykonos – Santorini – Greek South Aegean Islands Promo team is approaching the promising tourism market of Brazil, within the context of the fraternization of Santa Catarina Region with South Aegean Region.

Project’s strategy manager, Mr. Kostas Skagias and its team conducted B2B meetings in Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina Region with important tour operators specialised in outgoing tourism packages.

During the meetings, Mr. Skagias showcased the potential of South Aegean islands and high-end luxury services.

They mainly focused in both Aegean’s leading destinations, Mykonos and Santorini, promoting reliable and reputable hoteliers, restaurant and bar owners, real estate agents, yachting and VIP luxury service providers – platinum members of MykonosBest.eu and SantoriniBest.eu.

Mykonos – Santorini – Greek South Aegean Islands Promo project aims to attract high profile visitors from Brazil.

The program of B2B meetings has been arranged by Tourism Department of South Aegean Region and the Vice-Governor of Culture, Mr.Briggos in cooperation with the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Santa Catarina.

Source: tourismpress.eu

Mykonos – Santorini- Greek South Aegean Islands Promo team is planning to penetrate into four new tourism markets worldwide targeting to high profile travelers from Brazil, Tel Aviv, Doha and Beirut.

After the successful participation in WTM London, the team is heading to top travel shows in new and existing target markets that are important for the Aegean islands, Mr Kostas Skagias, strategy manager and responsible for the implementation of Mykonos – Santorini- Greek South Aegean Islands Promo Project, which is under the auspices of Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce in New York, stated το Cosmos Fm radio and the journalist Mr Panos Santzoglou.

Mr Skagias pointed out that North America remains the top tourism market for the Aegean islands destinations. It is in the top most important tourism markets for Greece, especially for Mykonos and Santorini.

“American travelers our the ideal travelers for us. Thus, we focus all our efforts to provide them with high quality services, the authentic Greek hospitality, unique experiences that will make them visit us over and over again”, strategy manager and responsible for the implementation of Mykonos – Santorini- Greek South Aegean Islands Promo Project said.

In this context, the project’s team will participate in the 2018 New York Times Travel Show as well as will organize two unique events for New Yorkers to experience the vibes of Mykonos nightlife and the ambience of Santorini’s sunset.

Mr Skagias, also, highlighted the significant role of the project’s team in attracting upscale tourists in the Aegean islands:

“Our team provides visitors and buyers in travel shows with accurate, correct and updated information related to Aegean islands destinations. In facebook and other social media we prompt them to contact us and send us their request. We provide them with any piece of information- from ferry and flights to night clubs, hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc. Thus, travelers are able to organise their trip in detail and feel pretty sure they won’t face unpleasant surprises during their stay in the Aegean islands. In all our activities we promote our platinum members that offer high quality services and authentic Greek hospitality experiences”.

Mr Skagias invited Americans and Greek Americans to visit one or more Aegean islands next summer: The cosmopolitan Mykonos, the picturesque Santorini, the religious island of Tinos with its unique arhitecture, the pure white island of Paros, the dreamlike Serifos, the erotic Milos with unparalled beaches, Ios – the island of contrasts, unique Andros, the incredible and undiscovered – even for Greeks- island of Astypalaia and the biggest island of Cyclades, the magical Naxos.

Mykonos and Santorini are sea and air junctions connecting them with other Aegean islands. The islands’s connectivity is expected to improve with the operation of Hydroplanes next summer.

In this way, the travelers can easily combine their holidays in the popular and cosmopolitan destinations of the Aegean, acquiring unique experiences and discovering authentic destinations full of color, history, tradition and taste.

Source: tourismpress.eu

Greek South Aegean Islands Promo manager, Mr. Kostas Skagias met with Director of GNTO office for  USA – Canada, Mrs Greta Kamateros.

They mainly discussed about the  new action plan and program which will bring more American tourists in the Aegean islands as well as how to penetrate into niche travel markets such as multi generation trips.

During the meeting, Mr. Skagias showcased the new mobile applications and interactive social networking tools, which are designed by a team of experts in the fields of new technology and tourism from London, New York and Mykonos (MTC Group team and www.MykonosBest.eu, www.SantoriniBest.eu). These apps combine the traditional forms of promotion with the digital innovative technology, aiming to to attract upscale millenial visitors to Mykonos and to enhance their knowledge for the Aegean islands.

“Mrs Kamateros’s contribution to the increase of the arrivals of American visitors in Greece is indisputable. Since, she has been the Director of the GNTO office for USA – Canada, the American tourism flows to Greece shows double – digit growth every year. It is our honor to support her in this very important effort and to provide her with as much help as we can.”, Mr Skagias stated.

New perspective of collaboration in the fields of tourism and culture between Brazil and South Aegean Region is opening after the recent visit of the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Greece Mr. Cesario Melantonio Neto, to Mykonos and Delos islands.

In the Photo: From Left to Right Honorary Consul of Brazil in Cyclades Mr. N.Papoudos, the Ambassador of Brazil in Greece mr. Neto, Vice-Governor of South Aegean Region Mr St. Brigos and the Ambassador of Hellenic – American Chamber of Commerce in New York Mr C. Skagias.
Ambassador of Brazil accepted the invitation of Vice-Governor of South Aegean Prefecture Mr. Stelios Brigos to visit the two islands and discuss the framework of the collaboration between the two regions.

The Brazilian Ambassador and Vice – Governor of South Aegean Prefecture, during their meeting discussed about developing and strengthening friendly relationships between Greece and Brazil, the possibility of twinning South Aegean Prefecture with Brazilian Prefecture of Santa Katarina as well as the twinning of Mykonos island and Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Katarina, which was established by citizens of Kastelorizo.

Ambassador of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce in New York Mr. Kostas Skagias and Honorary Consul of Brazil in Cyclades Mr. Nikos Papoudos were also present to the meeting.

Vice-Governor prioritized the possibility of twinning as the two regions share common characteristics. Santa Katarina is a significant tourism attraction in Brazil for VIP and celebrities from all over the world.

Vice-Governor Mr. Brigos stated after the meeting: «The main principles of friendship, cooperation and raising mutual awareness between the two peoples may apply to a wide range of fields with multiple benefits for the Prefecture and the Municipalities. The participation of institutions and citizens of our regions is necessary to achieve a long-term cooperation. Certain actions and collaborations in the fields of tourism, culture and arts as well as mutual cooperation among social services, tackling with common problems and adoption of common objectives may lead to genuine development for our communities.”

The Vice-Governor, also, stated to Tourism Press that further development and strengthening of the relationships between South Aegean Region and Brazil will open up new perspectives.

As far as tourism is concerned, Mr Brigos said that the current year far more Brazilian tourists arrived in Mykonos and Santorini islands than last year. Specifically, more than 100,000 visited Mykonos and Santorini islands while last year the number of visitors from Brazil didn’t exceed 68,000.

Prior to Brazilian Ambassador’s visit to Mykonos and Santorini islands many other actions have been initiated by South Aegean Region aiming to penetrate the most significant and dynamic market of Latin America. The Vice-Governor had visited a month and a half ago local government of Santa Katarina where suggested the twinning of the two regions. He also accepted the invitation to participate to the celebration of National Brazilian Day, 5th of September in Brazilian Embassy in Athens while the Embassy participated in gastronomy festival of Tselemente in Sifnos island.

Ambassador of the Hellenic – American Chamber of Commerce in New York Mr Kostas Skagias stated: “Our target is to provide the appropriate conditions for new collaborations to be developed, to penetrate new unexploited markets. Brazil, the strongest economy in Latin America has long – term friendship relations with Mykonos and Santorini islands.»