The proceedings of the 2nd Open Conference of the Hellenic Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Entrepreneurs were successfully concluded, as part of the XENIA trade show, on Sunday, November 26.
The Conference opened with remarks by the President of the Confederation, Panagiotis Tokouzis, who noted that “the goal of the Conference is to become established as an annual meeting for S.E.T.K.E. members, so that they may be informed about all the current issues concerning the industry.” Among other topics, he also referred to the direct competition between the sector’s tourist accommodation and platforms like Airbnb, while he did not fail to underline the fact that, during the past year, “the Tourism industry eloquently proved that it is the only sector that can guarantee the country’s economic growth and its exit from the economic crisis, which has now lasted almost ten years.” Finally, he announced the creation of a new category of tourist accommodation, specializing in “Experience Tourism,” as well as the creation of a higher category, which will be titled “elite,” but also the consolidation of the “smotel” brand name, a certification that will be able to be acquired by businesses, regardless of category and size, which provide specific, specialized services to their customers. The opening speech was followed by remarks by the Minister of Tourism, Ms Elena Kountoura, but also by Messrs. Manos Konsolas, New Democracy Tourism Sector Head, Charalambos Karimalis, GNTO President, George Tziallas, General Secretary for Tourism, Infrastructure and Investments, Giorgos Hadjimarkou, South Aegean Governor, Georgios Vernicos, Secretary General of SETE and Giorgos Amvrazis, General Manager of SETE.
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The minister was present and addressed the Conference
Ms Elena Kountoura was the keynote speaker at the 2nd Open Conference of S.E.T.K.E. The Minister referred to the warm hospitality offered by tourist accommodation enterprises, calling them the “backbone” of Greek tourism. After the end of her speech, the President of S.E.T.K.E., Panagiotis Tokouzis, presented the Minister with an honorary plaque for her support towards the Confederation, and the South Aegean Governor offered the Minister a small sample basket of traditional Aegean products, that will make up the “South Aegean Breakfast Basket.”
The “Breakfast Basket” at the heart of the Conference
The presentation of the “Breakfast Basket”, a S.E.T.K.E. initiative that gives visitors the chance to taste the traditional foods and beverages of every region from small producers, had a prominent place in the conference program. The Basket will be offered in two forms: as a real basket of products for non-catering accommodation units and as products in the composition of the breakfast buffet, for accommodation units that offer catering. During the Conference, the President of the Confederation, Mr Panagiotis Tokouzis, honored the South Aegean Governor, Mr Giorgos Hadjimarkou, for the valuable collaboration of the region with the Confederation, in the formulation and presentation of the “South Aegean Breakfast Basket.”
Many interesting topics
All the topics discussed at the conference were of great interest, and related to key industry issues. Specifically, Mr Christos Petreas, Tourism, Regional Development & Marketing economist, expert and consultant, spoke on the “strategic approach to utilizing specific, alternative forms of tourism for rented accommodation,” while Ms Joanna Dretta, Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Greece, analyzed the “importance of synergies for the enrichment and promotion of the tourism product.” In fact, following the end of her speech, there was a screening of the advertising spot produced by Marketing Greece on behalf of S.E.T.K.E., which showcases the beauties of Greece, combined with the actions and initiatives of the Confederation. Finally, there was a presentation of the new S.E.T.K.E. website, featuring updated design and functions.
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