The Athens Convention Bureau completed with great success a five day study mission to USA and Canada MICE industry and Media Professionals in an effort to showcase Athens’ business tourism product and generate leads for future events in the city.
The Study mission organized by the Athens Convention Bureau (ACB), with the support of the Athens International Airport and the ACB Members, is part of the City of Athens Development and Destination Management Agency action plan to invest in business tourism and to reverse the negative publicity the city has suffered over the past few months, especially in the North American markets.
For the preparation of the Study Mission and the selection of the participants the ACB worked closely with an established PR and Marketing company, Marketing Challenges International, over a period of three months. Among the participants were high rank executives in international organizations, associations’ decisions makers, PCOs and journalists.
During the five-day study mission the participants had the opportunity to visit the city’s main convention facilities, conference hotels and historical venues, visit the city’s historical landmarks and to use the state of the art public transport system.
Furthermore, the participants were offered unique experiences as they had the opportunity to taste gourmet Mediterranean flavors in some of the city’s most renowned restaurants with the backdrop of the sacred Acropolis rock, have dinner cruise along the Athenian Riviera, indulge in wine tasting in the Athenian suburbs and take a ride with the Limousine Bus.
The participants had the opportunity to meet with the City’s top DMC and PCO ACB members and discuss possible ways of future collaboration.
The Mayor of Athens Yorgos Kaminis stressed “The aim of this study mission was to showcase the multidimensional face of Athens, as an ideal business tourism destination worldwide and to prove that Athens remains a safe and friendly city for all visitors“. The Member of the Athens City Council and President of the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency Mr. George Broulias stated “The Athens Convention Bureau committed to promoting Athens as an ideal destination for business and leisure all year round, is planning more Study Missions for this autumn”.
The Study mission achieved great success as all of the participants showed great interest in bringing events to Athens and Requests for Proposals have already been processed.
The ACB would like to thank the Athens International Airport and the ACB members for contributing to the success of this Study Mission, as well as the S.I.T.E.S.A.P. (Greek Professional Yacht Owners Bareboat Association) for the mini cruise and the Greek Limo Bus.
