Athens Named World’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2024 at the World Travel Awards

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HQ Global
28th Nov, 2024
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The City of Athens has achieved a significant distinction in international tourism, winning the title of World’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2024 at the World Travel Awards. The impressive award ceremony took place in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on Sunday, November 24th.
 
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas stated, “We are very proud of this award, which proves that Athens is a strong global brand in the field of culture. A vibrant and welcoming city, Athens shares its rich cultural heritage with visitors, combined with its modern, upgraded image. The City of Athens continues to invest in strengthening culture through significant actions and events that connect residents and visitors with the rich cultural past and present of Athens.”
 
The award was accepted by Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Develop Athens, the city’s growth agency, which runs This is Athens - Convention & Visitors Bureau. This is Athens handles the promotion of the Greek capital in international tourism and business events markets. Mr. Georgizas added, “This global recognition for Athens is the result of the systematic work we are doing to increase the city’s international profile. Through Develop Athens, we continue to implement actions that highlight Athens’ competitive advantages in the global tourism market. Our goal is to attract high-level tourism to boost the local economy.”
 
Ioannis Georgizas and This is Athens team members accepted the award
 
Athens stood out among 15 destinations from around the world for its rich cultural heritage and the unique experiences it offers year-round to millions of visitors. The 2024 nominees in the same category as Athens included:
  • Edinburgh
  • London
  • New York
  • Paris
  • Rome
  • Dubrovnik
  • Venice
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Beijing
  • Kyoto
  • Hoi An (Vietnam)
  • Barranquilla (Colombia)
  • Quito (Ecuador)
  • Santiago de Cali (Colombia)

This is Athens is part of the Greek Meetings Alliance, a partnership with the Hellenic Association of Professional Conference Organizers, Destination Event Specialists, and the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau. This collaboration aims to position Greece as a leading destination for business events by promoting innovation, regional cooperation and investment in the MICE industry. The alliance supports the growth of the sector through initiatives such as education, sustainability and connecting key regions across the country. By working together, these organisations aim to increase Greece's competitiveness in the global meetings market.

 
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