Statistics published by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, show Australia as a clear standout when it comes to tourist arrivals in Greece.
Not only do Australians spend the most out of all tourists globally, they also opt to stay in Greece for longer periods in comparison to their fellow travellers from around the world.
Building on these tourist connections between Australia and Greece has been at the forefront of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) program.
Most recently, the iconic Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts team undertook a two-week visit to Australia, which was full of meetings and events across the countries, involving distinguished travel agents, tour operators and Australian media.
The visit coincided with the decision by Qatar Airways to commence direct flights to Mykonos, with GCM President Bill Papastergiadis invited to present at the official function held by the airline in Melbourne.
One of the most important talking points during the visit Down Under was the new property that the Greek family-owned group is set to add to its Mykonos stable, debuting in May 2019. The new addition will, like its nine sister properties, be part of a global hotel collective.
“Mykonos saw a marked increase in Australian visitors in recent years, particularly so through the introduction of Qatar Airways’ direct service from Doha to Mykonos which launched in May 2018. Americans and Brits are the top two international markets entering Mykonos, with Australia hovering around the top five source markets,” Myconian Collection’s President and CEO, Vangelis Daktylides said.
“As a genuine Mykonian family, we welcome guests with warmth and attentiveness, and our service comes straight from the heart. Every detail we have created is our way of bringing people closer and building long-lasting relationships.”
Reflecting on the visit, GCM Secretary Costas Markos was impressed.
“The Myconian Collection’s strong offering and leading presence on the Greek hospitality and tourism ecosystem left the best impressions on the Australian and Greek Australian travel community,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a show of support to the Greece’s tourism sector and a move to build on Australian arrivals in Greece, Mr Papastegriadis revealed that in the community’s recent meetings with the Greek Ministry of Tourism, they offered to lease an office located in the Greek Centre free of charge, as an opportunity to set up an Australian Headquarters for Tourism.