The 7th Regional Conference of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (HHF) was successfully held in Lesvos at the historic Vranas Olive Press Museum in Pappados, Gera, with strong participation from industry professionals and local authorities.
7th Regional Conference of HHF in Lesvos: Alternative Tourism, Sustainability, and Local Collaboration in the Northern Aegean
The 7th Regional Conference of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (HHF) was successfully held in Lesvos at the historic Vranas Olive Press Museum in Pappados, Gera, with strong participation from industry professionals and local authorities.
The conference provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices for tourism development in the Northern Aegean, with a particular focus on alternative tourism and sustainability.
During the conference, strategies for tourism development in the Northern Aegean were discussed, emphasizing sustainability and alternative forms of tourism. Key representatives from the industry and local government shared insights and experiences, fostering a productive dialogue aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the hotel sector.
Speakers included:
- Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT)
- Giannis Chatzis, President of HHF
- Afroditi Vati, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Western Lesvos
- Nikos Giannakas, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Mytilene
- Giorgos Christakis, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Chios
- Mitsi Paidousi-Avgerinou, President of the Chios Hoteliers Association
- Ioannis Kaltakis, Deputy Governor of the Northern Aegean
- Nikos Zouros, President of the Global UNESCO Geoparks Network
- Antigoni Maistrali, Deputy Secretary General of HHF
- Vasilis Vogiatzis, President of the Lesvos Hoteliers Association
The discussions highlighted the importance of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration for the development of both conventional and alternative tourism in the Northern Aegean.
During the panel on cycling tourism, journalist and General Director of Bike Friendly, Viky Karantzavelou, presented the potential of bicycle tourism as a soft mobility solution that “connects” all forms of tourism. She emphasized that the municipalities of Mytilene and Chios are already certified with the Bike Friendly label, underscoring the importance of local collaboration in promoting sustainable practices.
Deputy Secretary General of HHF, Antigoni Maistrali, analyzed funding opportunities for supporting alternative tourism projects, ranging from European programs to national instruments, emphasizing that awareness and proper utilization of these resources is crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable development initiatives.
This year’s conference once again demonstrated that the combined development of sustainable and alternative tourism, in collaboration with municipalities and businesses, can serve as a driver of economic growth as well as environmental awareness in the Northern Aegean.
The 7th Regional Conference of HHF served as a meeting point for professionals, local authorities, and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, highlighting the interaction between public and private sectors with the central aim of promoting sustainable practices and alternative forms of tourism in Lesvos and the Northern Aegean.
