Photo: EOT Secretary General Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos meeting with the President of the Hellenic American Society Ms. Eftychia Pylarinou and the Head of the EOT America Office, Mr. Konstantinos Charokopos
Greece and the EOT's new strategic plan for 2026 to promote the country internationally as a safe, high-quality, sustainable, and multi-thematic holiday destination throughout the year, was successfully presented in the USA by EOT Secretary General Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, who is visiting New York.
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During December 3–4, 2025, the EOT Secretary General held a series of meetings and interventions with representatives of the Greek Diaspora, the Diaspora Press, international luxury tourism networks, and influential American media. The goal of the contacts was the further strengthening of the Greek tourism product in the American market, the deepening of high value-added collaborations, and the promotion of Greece in high-value markets as a destination for thematic forms of tourism and sustainable development.
Meeting with the President of the Hellenic American Society Ms. Eftychia Pylarinou
Mr. Fiorentinos met on Wednesday, December 3, with the President of the Hellenic American Society, Ms. Eftychia Pylarinou, where they agreed to strengthen the EOT's communication channels with the organized Diaspora. They discussed ways to promote and disseminate information to the Greek community in the USA — and especially to the high-level and influential social strata (doctors, lawyers, bankers, entrepreneurs, etc.) — in order to enhance Greece's promotion and effective information regarding both the tourism product and investment opportunities in the country. The discussion also focused on the need to link tourism promotion to a country that is evolving, investing, and developing with a plan.
New Flight Dallas - Athens (American Airlines)
On the same day, a press conference was held with Diaspora media to present the 2026 tourism strategy with a luncheon and the participation of all Diaspora Press.
Photo: The Secretary General Mr. A. Fiorentinos, flanked by the Consul General of Greece in New York, Ms. Ifigenia Kanara, the Head of the EOT America Office, Mr. Konstantinos Charokopos, and the Head of the Press Office of the Consulate General, Ms. Mary Vaxevanidou
Mr. Fiorentinos presented in detail the pillars of the strategic plan for Greek tourism for 2026, emphasizing the EOT's overall effort to further strengthen the US–Greece air connection, prompted by the new American Airlines flight from Dallas to Athens.
Furthermore, he highlighted the priorities of the tourism policy, such as:
Extension of the tourist season through “12-month” products, with emphasis on city breaks, culture, gastronomy, wellness, and experiences in the mainland.
Upgrading competitiveness and targeted actions in high-value markets, by attracting visitors with increased demands.
Sustainable development as a “resilient” tourism product with a strategic advantage, through the protection of natural and cultural heritage, responsible resource management, and support for local communities. The goal is the dispersion of the tourist flow throughout Greece for balanced, long-term, and quality development.
Strengthening investment interest in tourism, with emphasis on investments that serve quality, sustainability, and product diversification.
Answering numerous questions, Mr. Fiorentinos underlined, among other things, Greece's image of safety and stability, which enhances market confidence and creates preconditions for further growth.
Meeting with VIRTUOSO – Actions for the premium/luxury audience
Mr. Fiorentinos met with Ms. Miguelina Cespedes (Senior Manager) and Mr. Brad Bourland (COO) of the VIRTUOSO network.
Photo: The Secretary General Mr. Fiorentinos met with Ms. Miguelina Cespedes Senior Manager and Mr. Brad Bourland COO of the VIRTUOSO network.
They discussed the results of the previous successful EOT–VIRTUOSO campaign, the need for targeted collaborative actions to promote luxury destinations, as well as data from the network’s research that will be utilized to formulate the strategy against competition and better approach the high-demand American audience.
Live interview on radio 77 WABC
On Thursday, December 4, Mr. Fiorentinos participated in a live radio interview on the show “Sid and Friends in the Morning” on radio station 77 WABC, hosted by Sidney Rosenberg.
PHOTO: EOT Secretary General Mr. Fiorentinos with host Sidney Rosenberg of radio station 77 WABC
In the discussion, the Secretary General elaborated on:
the main results of inbound tourism for 2025 and the factors that shaped them,
the trends and estimates for 2026, with emphasis on demand for authentic experiences and quality services,
the geopolitical upgrade of the country and Greece's role as a destination of safety and stability,
and how this reliability positively affects the extension of the season and the attraction of travelers seeking destinations with consistency and quality.
Furthermore, the EOT Secretary General had the opportunity to meet:
Photo: Mr. Fiorentinos with Mr. John A. Catsimatidis Red Apple Group
with Mr. John A. Catsimatidis (Red Apple Group). Referring to his origin from Nisyros, extensive mention was made of the UNESCO Geo Park, as a characteristic example of a resource that enhances the destination's identity, links to international promotion, and supports a model of sustainable tourism development with environmental and developmental responsibility. Views were also exchanged on investment approaches in the wider region.
with Mr. Greg Angelidis regarding Sports Tourism and the expansion of this specific market from the US, leveraging events, thematic experiences, and programs that enhance off-peak visitation.
with author Jeffrey Singer “Murder on Mykonos” and other publications concerning Hellenism, exchanging views on the role of culture and narrative in the international appeal of Greek destinations.
The USA is a strategically important market for Greece
The contacts of the EOT Secretary General in New York confirmed that the American market remains strategically important for our country and that the 2026 plan is strengthened by complementary pillars (quality, audience expansion/season extension, and sustainable development), as Greece continues to consolidate its international position, in terms of resilience and long-term value.
At the same time, the EOT's priority for strengthening the US–Greece connection through new destinations and new air links, such as the new Dallas–Athens flight with American Airlines, was highlighted.
Sustainable development also remains a key element as a resilient tourism product, aiming at the dispersion of the tourist flow throughout Greece, so that the country continues to strengthen its international position in terms of resilience, balance, and long-term value.
