Greece announced as the Country Partner of WTM Latin America 2014

The Greek National Tourism Organization is the Country Partner of WTM Latin America as part of its aim to increase overseas tourists to 18 million this year. The Country Partnership with

WTM Latin America, which takes place between 25- 25 April in São Paulo, is designed to further increase ties between Brazil and Latin America and Greece.

As the fundamental pillar of Western culture – the Mediterranean country, with its beautiful beaches, rich cultural history and monuments that are thousands of years old – has attracted growing numbers of Brazilians in recent years.

Tourism today is a great speciality and the driving force behind the Greek economy. With trip options that range from cruises around its island paradises, like Mykonos and Santorini, visits to the monument ruins of the Athens Acropolis, like the Parthenon, Greece received around 17 million tourists last year. Government expectation is that it will reach 18 million this year.

According to a study by the European Travel Commission (ETC), conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics, there has been some sizable growth in the number of Brazilians visiting Greece in recent years. Between 2008 and 2013 arrivals from Brazil grew by 36% and the Country currently provides just under 40,000 visitors to Greece per year. Visitors from Argentina, for example, hit 22,000 in 2013.

Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Mr. Panos Livadas, said: “Greece as a tourist destination is growing in popularity in Brazil and Latin America. With this in mind, WTM Latin America was the perfect event to help us firstly cement and then further grow the interest in Greece from South America. I am delighted Greece is the Host Country Partner for WTM Latin America, the partnership is of great benefit to both sides and I look forward to further strengthening our ties and expanding contacts within the region.”

Greece is the long-standing sponsor of the World Travel Market International Press Centre.

WTM Latin America, Director, Lawrence Reinisch, Director of WTM Latin America said: “With all its history and culture Greece has had a long and successful partnership with the World Travel Market, and now it’s going to be able to promote itself strongly in the Latin American market. The large increase in the purchasing power four middle class in the last decade has allowed people access to culture tourism products and services, which used to be dreamed about by many but were within the grasp of few. Greece will see more and more Latin America tourists over the next few years”.

WTM Latin America 2014 takes place between 23rd and 25th April at the Transamerica Expo Centre in São Paulo, simultaneously with the 41st edition of the BRAZTOA Business Meeting.

source: WTM Latin America