The mayor of Athens has announced the Greek capital has so far attracted more than 5.5 million tourists and visitors in 2018, highlighting it was a “total shift” from a low point in 2012 when the economic crisis in the country was in its worst phase.

Giorgos Kaminis spoke on the sidelines of his municipality’s sixth-annual Travel Trade Athens event, which he noted will host more than 3,000 pre-arranged meetings between foreign tour operators and vendors with Athens-based tourism professionals. Included are meetings between more than 100 representatives of hosted buyers with suppliers active in the Greek market.

The municipality of Athens is the biggest and most populous in the greater Athens urban agglomeration, which is comprised of several municipalities.

AIA’s CEO also added that the number of “city breakers” (foreign travelers visiting Athens for the weekend) visiting the Greek capital is also on the rise and added that this number will continue to rise as the tourism season in Athens has extended, with many booking their getaway to Athens for this Autumn and Winter.

The city has also grown as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, with many multinational corporations holding important events in Athens.

With its long history dating back to 3,500 years ago, the Greek capital is one of the world’s oldest cities, with landmarks such as the Acropolis being one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significance to the world as the cradle of Democracy from the glorious Classic Era of Athens.

From history, the arts, gastronomy and nightlife, Athens is no longer just a stopover for the Greek islands. Every year, more and more international visitors come to Greece’s capital to explore the wonders of the city that can be enjoyed all year round.

*Image by GCT (Copyright)