Page 26 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
word of mouth

T he athens riviera is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks

to a unique tourism model that promises to enchant visitors and rede-
fine the region’s identity, if not the whole city’s. The proposed changes
aim to give the Riviera a distinct character that doesn’t just copy interna-
tional standards. Put simply, its attractions should usher in a new era of
tourism for Athens. Dimitris Fragakis and the GNTO have several goals
in mind, such as increasing demand and revenue, making the tourism
season a year-round attraction, and setting a good example of balanced
and responsible tourism development in Greece. Ongoing investments
in the Riviera seafront and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors are poised
to achieve all of this. The GNTO itself is set to evolve, upgrading its digital and internation-
al presence, its ultimate goal being to ensure that the 2024 tourism season builds upon the
remarkable success of 2023.
What will be the new definition of the Attica Riviera? Will it follow international
standards, or will it have its own identity to distinguish it?
Overall, Attica has its own special identity. It is a complete destination, which has nothing to
envy from comparable popular destinations abroad. It is almost a micrograph of the whole
country, our tourism product in its entirety. It combines features and offers experiences that
can make a difference to our international competition. And statistics already confirm this,
as arrivals and revenue in the Attica Basin have increased significantly. The Athens Riviera
is an integral part of its public tourism identity. I should also mention that the significant
infrastructure redevelopments and private projects being implemented on the seafront as
well as other investments underway will change the area’s image. With these initiatives, the
Riviera’s local identity will be reinforced, and this of course will be the tip of the spear for
the Attica Basin’s tourism.
As the intensive transformation of the Athens Riviera continues, what unique fea-
tures will this tourism model offer Attica’s visitors?
Past research found that few international visitors knew that the Attica Basin has a seafront
and even fewer visited it. This created a paradox for the city, which I think we are gradually
EMBRACE THE SEA overcoming. The beach, the sea, the coastline’s urban part, the new hospitality infrastruc-
Dimitris Fragakis tures implemented in the area, the many culinary options, and other experiences open to
wants visitors to fall in love visitors are major advantages, a combination that is hard to find elsewhere. A residential
with the coastal comforts model is in the works that will positively influence the area’s tourism, creating conditions
of the Athens Riviera.
that will allow all activities to coexist harmoniously. This will take the entire Attica Basin
far in the coming years.
Will these investments in the Attica Basin’s seafront benefit your goal of extending
the tourism season in Athens?
In previous years, international visitors stayed in Athens for an average of around 2.5 days.
We clearly have a lot of potential to increase this number and even double it. So, our first >

"2023 WILL BE

THE NEW LANDMARK

YEAR FOR GREEK

TOURISM."

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