Campaign to promote destinations affected by Thomas Cook collapse
tourism
22 Oct 2019
/ 08:03
ATHENS. The new campaign is expected to be launched in January - earlier than normal. This was nnounced by the new GNTO General Secretary Dimitris Frangakis at the World Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers (FIJET) conference in Rhodes.
The new campaign will highlight the comparative advantages of each destination in an effort to showcase the wide range of experiences offered by Greek tourism.
Mr. Frangakis said, "The bankruptcy of any large tour operator will obviously have an impact on world, and consequently Greek, tourism. The Greek Government immediately showed support for businesses and workers who were affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook and took measures to provide relief.
What we need to do and what we are preparing for is not to lose Thomas Cook's market segment in Greece. We have a very specific plan which involves targetted promotion abroad.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, GNTO (Greek National Tourist Organisation) is preparing a campaign to promote destinations that have been affected, including Rhodes. The new campaign will highlight the comparative advantages of each destination in an effort to showcase the tourist product in our traditional, important markets. It will be launched in January - earlier than normal - and we hope it will be successful in making up for any damage."
Mr. Frangakis said that there will be emphasis on online promotion and cooperation with the private sector. "The GNTO has considerable experience in promoting and marketing the Greek product. We will utilise this experience using modern tools with the assistance of experts and will be collaborating with the private sector and businesses in order to achieve the best possible result. There is a lot which can and needs to change in the way that GNTO operates but the basic aim remains the same - how to effectively promote the Greek tourist product worldwide focussing on the online media where the vast majority of bookings are made."
Mr. Frangakis went on to say that, compared to corresponding European organisations, the GNTO budget isn't very large but, nevertheless, with the proper management of what is available and with proper planning and strategy, the goals can be achieved.
"As yet we don't have the figures to show us exactly how this season went as regards revenue and arrivals. I have the general feeling that things went satisfactorily, especially if we take into account the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook. However, what is important is not to see how we did this year but how things will go in 2020."
DIMOKRATIKI / Dimitris Gartzonis
Mr. Frangakis said, "The bankruptcy of any large tour operator will obviously have an impact on world, and consequently Greek, tourism. The Greek Government immediately showed support for businesses and workers who were affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook and took measures to provide relief.
What we need to do and what we are preparing for is not to lose Thomas Cook's market segment in Greece. We have a very specific plan which involves targetted promotion abroad.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, GNTO (Greek National Tourist Organisation) is preparing a campaign to promote destinations that have been affected, including Rhodes. The new campaign will highlight the comparative advantages of each destination in an effort to showcase the tourist product in our traditional, important markets. It will be launched in January - earlier than normal - and we hope it will be successful in making up for any damage."
Mr. Frangakis said that there will be emphasis on online promotion and cooperation with the private sector. "The GNTO has considerable experience in promoting and marketing the Greek product. We will utilise this experience using modern tools with the assistance of experts and will be collaborating with the private sector and businesses in order to achieve the best possible result. There is a lot which can and needs to change in the way that GNTO operates but the basic aim remains the same - how to effectively promote the Greek tourist product worldwide focussing on the online media where the vast majority of bookings are made."
Mr. Frangakis went on to say that, compared to corresponding European organisations, the GNTO budget isn't very large but, nevertheless, with the proper management of what is available and with proper planning and strategy, the goals can be achieved.
"As yet we don't have the figures to show us exactly how this season went as regards revenue and arrivals. I have the general feeling that things went satisfactorily, especially if we take into account the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook. However, what is important is not to see how we did this year but how things will go in 2020."
DIMOKRATIKI / Dimitris Gartzonis
