Greece served up to German rail travellers

Greece`s tourism promotion may not be featuring yet on German television – a major oversight on the part of local officials – but it has been rolling for almost a month on Germany`s railways.

February is dedicated to Greek cuisine which is served throughout the month to German rail passengers by the firm Mitropa, that is responsible for catering services on the system.

Indeed in February, Germany<.>`s rail services host the greatest number of commuters as bad weather and the consequent dangers posed by driving on the roads prompt most people to travel by train. Each year, an estimated two million Germans utilise the country`s three top rail services, which is where the Greek fare – made in Germany – is being offered. In February of last year, 200,000 people travelled by train and 25,000 portions of Greek food were served.

The Hellenic Tourism Organisation (EOT) invested 25 million drachmas in the creation and distribution of the menu while Greek firms advertised within contributed another 17.5 million drachmas.

Mitropa officials initially travelled to Greece, specifically to Crete, to sample some 25 dishes. Of those, they chose seven which were made in Germany using Greek ingredients and adapted to German tastes. Tzatziki, souvlaki and other such foods were left off the menu intentionally as they are already familiar to Germans. The aim was to promote new, lesser known dishes.

The seven meals chosen were fish soup, fish with leeks, bean soup with pork, beef stew, stuffed cabbage leaves, feta with peppers and Macedonian halva. These are accompanied by Greek white and red wine.

The Greek firm Martakis tourism advisors, along with marketing specialise Nikos Georgosopoulos, organised and coordinated the venture.

Theodore Koumelis

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

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