It is estimated that the conference tourism sector in Greece contributes more than 2.5 billion euros to the national economy, an amount that in the medium term, under certain conditions, could reach 6.5 billion euros annually, as was highlighted in the press conference held by the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers and Destination and Event Specialists – (HAPCO & DES).
The Association requests State support so that conference tourism in Greece can develop further, as the existing dynamics lay the foundations for tripling its revenues.
As long as the State begins to resolve vital issues for the sector, excellent prospects open up for Greek tourism and consequently for the country’s economy, he highlighted.
More than 20 international scientific conferences are being missed
Based on current data, Greece annually loses more than 20 international scientific conferences and more than 100 corporate events due to the state’s failure to implement specific actions. In fact, we have losses of more than 100,000 conference visitors per year and more than 50,000 corporate event visitors per year, emphasized the president of HAPCO & DES Sissy Lignou and added: “It is a fact that now, due to the lack of infrastructure -structures and availability, the country loses revenue from conferences and events that reach at least one billion euros per year.”