An increase in tourist arrivals in Athens “foresees” for 2014 the Mayor of Athens Giorgos Kaminis who, at a press conference on Monday, stated that according to his estimates, the capital will host an additional 700,000 tourists this year, compared to last year.

Speaking on the occasion of the Travel Trade Athens event, which was held for the first time in 2013 as part of the Municipality of Athens’ strategy for the targeted promotion of Athens in the international tourism market, Mr Kaminis stated among other things, that in 2014, based on the first data, there will be a steady progress in tourism. He also said that in the first quarter of the year, an increase of arrivals by 32% was recorded.

Regarding the 2nd Travel Trade Athens, Mr. Kaminis stated that this event is part of the municipality’s strategy to establish the capital as a tourist destination of international scope.

The Company for the Development and Promotion of Tourism of the Municipality of Athens (EATA) through the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and in collaboration with the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) organize Travel Trade Athens 2014 with the aim of creating and developing a platform for the cooperation of the tourism market in Europe with tourism businesses and professionals of Greek tourism.

It is also noted that during the first Travel Trade Athens event, on April 2013, more than 1,400 meetings took place between hosted buyers and businesses in Athens. This year more than 70 tour operators, commercial representatives, conference organizers and distinguished journalists from the U.S. and Europe are expected to participate in the 2nd Travel Trade Athens 2014, which takes place today at the International Conference Centre.