On Wednesday and Thursday 6 - 7 December 2023, at Zappeio Megaro, within the 10th Athens International Tourism & Culture Expo, the Department of Tourism Studies of the University of Piraeus, the Laboratory of Tourism Excellence and the organizing company of the Leaderexpo exhibition, supported by the Special Account for Research Funds of the University of Piraeus, co-organized a two-day scientific conference on "The next day for tourism businesses and destinations in an environment of uncertainty".
The event was graced with the presence of the Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, Ministry of Tourism Greece Myron Flouris, the Rector of the University of Piraeus Professor Michalis Sfakianakis, the President of the Department of Tourism Studies Professor Angelos Kotios and the Vice Governor for Tourism at Region of Crete Kyriakos Kotsoglou, who participated in the opening of the conference on Wednesday, December 6 as well as in the Panel/Discussion that followed on "Modern Destination Management", where very important policies and strategies for managing modern and resilient tourism destinations were shared with the audience.
The Rector of the University of Piraeus Professor Michalis Sfakianakis in his opening remarks noted that in Greece tourism is an activity with a very large multiplier that spreads income to a very large part of the population, utilizing a large production chain characterized by diversification and complexity. Tourism is established as an entertainment product par excellence and the modern tourist expects to live experiences, often actively participating in local daily activities and also experiencing feelings and stories about the cultural and natural heritage of the destination. Given that in 2025 the Mediterranean countries are predicted to host 353 million tourists, the need arises to focus on a new, sustainable model and without abolishing mass tourism, special forms of tourism should be developed, especially in Greece that has competitive and comparative advantages.
The second day included important discussions and presentations on critical tourism issues. Topics such as Digital Marketing, the role of the Human Factor in Tourism Businesses, Special Forms of Tourism and the challenges of Alternative Tourism, New Technologies in Tourism and the challenges of Tourist Offices in the new environment emerged. The discussions focused on highlighting new trends and strategies responding to increased uncertainties and crises in the tourism sector.
Panels/Discussions with selected participants in detail:
Digital Marketing for Competitive Destinations and Businesses - Presentation Assistant Professor Zouni Georgia, on "New Trends in Destination Digital Marketing"
Dimitra Arida / VP Marketing & Sales - Greece BROWN HOTELS
Stavros Kefalas / Co-founder @ Tourix
Grigoris Toulias / Marketing Director of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization
Isidoros Phylaktou / CEO Founder TheKaseProject
Human Factors & Hotel Businesses - Presentation by Assistant Professor Hytiri Alexandra Paraskevi, on the topic of "Modern issues of human factor management and tourism businesses"
Panagiotis (Panos) Almirantis / Chief Development Officer Ella Resorts & President European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA)
Elena Ghika-Petroulaki / Director of Human Resources at Costa Navarino Resorts
Christos Koutsopoulos/ General Manager of the Athenaeum Hotel Group
Nikos Foros / Head of EmployerBranding Solutions, kariera.gr
Special Forms of Tourism - Presentation by Assistant Professor Olga Siskos, on "Challenges and Prospects of Alternative Tourism"
Stefanos Sidiropoulos / President of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises of Outdoor Leisure Activities (SETEYDA) CEO Trekking Hellas
Vicky Karanzavelou / General Manager / General Manager NatTour Bike Friendly and TravelDailyNews
Vafiadis Anastasios / Compass Outdoor Adventures/Dandy Hospitality
Nikos Dimitriou / Owner of Evia Private Tours
Haris Kapolos / President of Edipsos Hydrotherapy Centers
New Technologies & Tourism - Presentation by Assistant Professor Katsanakis Ioannis on "New Technologies & Tourism"
Pavlos Vassiliadis / CEO & Co-Founder Upiria
Joakim Gritsipis / Founder & Managing Director Just Grow Hospitality
Giorgos Karydakis / Associate Professor, Department of Cultural Technology & Communication, University of the Aegean, President of the Sectoral Scientific Council (TES) in the field of Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries of the National Research, Technology and Innovation Council (ESETEK)
Tourist Offices in the New Environment - Presentation Assistant Professor Hytiri Alexandra Paraskevi, on "New Trends in the Management of Tourist Offices"
Theodoros Makris / Managing Director Mazi Travel And Events
Petros Kormis / Travel Way Financial Executive-Sustainability Officer
Tourism & Crises - Presentation by Assistant Professor Agapitou Kristis, on "Crisis Management and Tourism"
Paulina Penlides/ Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Manager Mitsis Group
Krissi Palasis/ Strategic Planning Advisor Cruiseway Travel- Travelway
Irini Kapetanaki/ HR Manager Group F Zeen Retreats
New Trends & Tourism - Presentation by Assistant Professor Varelas Sotirios, on "The new trends for modern and sustainable tourism businesses and destinations"
Natalia Karahaliu / Senior Sales Manager Europe, Middle East, & Africa - Selina Hospitality
Michalis Niotis / Hospitality Manager Revival Consulting
Prodromos Kortsinidis / IEK DELTA 360- Tourism & Catering Sector Trainer - Hotel Manager
Tina Kyriaki / Founder Alternative Athens & Back to the Routes
The Department of Tourism Studies, in the context of the AITE exhibition, maintained a promotional booth with printed material with the aim of informing the tourist market about its actions. The booth was staffed all days by volunteer students and faculty members of the Department.