Bolstered by the participation of institutional and professional tourism stakeholders, the “The Greater Athens Region - DMMO Forum” conference was a resounding success, confirming the Region of Attica’s ongoing effort to evolve into an increasingly more dynamic and sustainable tourism destination.

A significant partnership for strategic dialogue on the future of tourism in Attica was set up by the Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) of the Region of Attica.

The “THE GREATER ATHENS REGION | DMMO FORUM” conference marks the beginning of a dialogue and collaboration with the DMMO, bringing together tourism stakeholders and key contributors to tourism development. More than just an informative event, it creates a framework for knowledge exchange, identification of cooperation opportunities and formulation of effective synergies and targeted actions. Through this process, the role of Athens as a modern, sustainable and globally competitive destination is strengthened.

The event took place at the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens, attracting top institutional and business representatives from the tourism ecosystem, aiming to enhance cooperation and promote Metropolitan Athens, the Athenian Riviera and the islands of Attica as a unified and sustainable tourism destination.

“We are proud that our Metropolitan Region is the first in the country to establish such an organization,” emphasized the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Nikos Hardalias, in his opening address, noting that “Attica must lead the way in tourism as well,” systematically leveraging all its strategic advantages. “Attica is the heart of Greek tourism and at the same time a global reference point. A dynamic, multi-layered tourism destination that connects history with modern experience, cultural heritage with innovation, and urban energy with coastal landscapes,” he stated, highlighting the role of New Metropolitan Attica SA and its President, Mr. Dimitris Fragkakis, in bringing all these elements to the fore and forging a cohesive direction and strategy. The President of New Metropolitan Attica SA, Mr. Dimitris Fragkakis, emphasized the importance of the DMMO's function in enhancing Attica’s international presence on the tourism map, describing the Organization as a vital starting point for promoting the region’s tourism product. He also stressed that cooperation with the private sector and local communities is a catalyst for sustainable tourism transformation.

On his part, the CEO of New Metropolitan Attica SA, Mr. Giorgos Kormas, spoke about the “joy and responsibility” accompanying the creation of the DMMO, underscoring the strategic goal of linking key stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem with a focus on boosting competitiveness and innovation.

During the conference, distinguished speakers addressed topics related to sustainable tourism development and destination promotion strategy. Specifically, Mr. Dimitris Drosis, Head of the Managing Authority of the OP “Attica,” presented the historical background of actions taken by the Region to establish the DMMO through the “Attica 2021–2027” Operational Program.

Mr. Eudokimos Fregoglou, Project Coordinator, presented the organization’s governance and operational plan, while Mr. Iossif Parsalis, Head of Strategic Planning at DMMO, outlined the DMMO’s role in shaping a diversified, attractive and sustainable tourism product.

A panel discussion followed on Sustainable Tourism Development, featuring keynote speakers Ms. Angela Gerekou, President of the GNTO, and Mr. Alexandros Thanos, Special Advisor to SETE, who emphasized the importance of synergies and strengthening tourism identity.

Attendees had the opportunity to follow presentations that highlighted the Region of Attica’s Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy, as well as the first actions of the DMMO under the “Attica 2021–2027” program. Particular interest was shown in the dynamic panel discussion on sustainable tourism development and thematic tourism products, which raised critical issues on strengthening competitiveness and connecting stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem.

The “Greater Athens Region DMMO Forum” marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue among tourism stakeholders, laying the groundwork for a new era of strategic collaboration and sustainable destination development. The actions presented and the discussions held confirmed the DMMO’s dynamic potential as a modern and flexible mechanism capable of enhancing Attica’s competitiveness on the global tourism stage—leveraging the principles of sustainability, innovation and collaboration.