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Athens Convention Bureau (ACB) made its debut in the international meetings market with its participation in IMEX 2008 that took place in Frankfurt (22 -24 April). ACB`s official first, was accompanied by an extended media plan with advertorials and features in the most prestigious magazines of the meeting industry, as well as with the launch of its website in beta version. Athens Convention Bureau was recently established as a distinct division of the Athens Tourism and Development Company, the official tourism board of the City of Athens.
During the show more than 30 scheduled and non scheduled appointments were made with hosted buyers from the USA, Canada, France, Germany, UK, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, India etc.
The majority of foreign visitors at ACB`s stand expressed their satisfaction with the creation of an official entity responsible for informing and assisting prospective meeting planners about the city of Athens. At the ACB stand all interested parties had the opportunity to gather information regarding Athens’ infrastructure and services either for upcoming events that have already been planned or in order to consider Athens as a destination for a future event.
One of the most satisfying conclusions for ACB during its meetings with hosted buyers as well as with prominent representatives of the meetings industry, was the growing interest for Athens as a destination for conventions, incentives, and corporate meetings.
ACB`s primary goal is to effectively respond to the growing demand and to promote Athens as meeting destination.
For the immediate future, among the ACB`s main goals, are the following:
- The completion of its membership program in order to provide a broad range of selected venues, hotels and other tourism enterprises located in Athens and the greater city area.
- The completion and then constant update of its website
- The creation and distribution of the ACB meeting planners guide
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
