World Report

The city combines Mediterranean charm and cosmopolitan attractions

or too long regarded as a stepping stone to the holiday islands, Athens, the Greek capital and the cradle of western civilisation, is ready to become a major tourist destination in its own right.

Says Deputy Mayor Theodore Skylakakis: “Up to now people have seen Athens only as a transit destination – you hop into Athens and then go to an island. But we can offer a visitor a short vacation of three to five days, in one of the most ancient and important European cities.”

Athens intends to capitalise on the high international profile conferred on it by the return of the Olympics and on the renovation and improvements that have transformed the city. There are hopes that it will take its rightful place with the leading Greek destinations of Crete, Rhodes, the Halkidiki-Thessaloniki region and Corfu.

“We have good weather, good food, modernised hotels, and world famous monuments and archaeological sites,” says Mr Skylakakis.

Professor Harry Coccossis, President of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) says that accessibility, quality accommodation, the new airport and the upgraded transport system, give Athens enormous potential for city breaks. The extensive expansion of conference facilities in the capital is another important factor, as city breaks are often linked with conferences and special events.