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‘Luxperience’ at ICC Sydney, breaks previous records of Greek businesses involved in luxury travel

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‘Luxperience’ at ICC Sydney, breaks previous records of Greek businesses involved in luxury travel

On Wednesday October 9th, 6 Greek companies sat together to discuss their prospects for luxury tourism in Greece, and how they can increase productivity with Australian tourists looking for luxury escapes in Greece.

The Trade Commissioner of Greece for Australia and New Zealand, Ms Katia Gzikiza, said “concerning Australian arrivals to Greece, until 2016, these numbers were stable between 120-180 000 people. In 2017, they almost doubled to over 324 000. We thought this was a spike from the usual trend, but this was repeated the next year, and the data we currently have for the year 2019 shows that this trend has continued.”

She continued to note that Australian tourists are the largest per capita spenders in Greece, at 1200 euros per person, per trip. This figure is more than double the average spending per capita in Greece.

“This year we’ve increased from 1-2 products from Greece, to 7. We’re hoping this trend will continue,” said Event Director of Luxperience, Ms Michelle Papas.

Michelle Pappas and Trade Commissioner, Katia Gkikiza.

The six Greek companies exhibiting their products on Wednesday were Argo Travel Group, Fly Me To The Moon Travel, Luxury Greece DMC & Travel, Myconian Collection, NJC Athens Plaza, and Santo Maris Oia.

A large majority of these companies focus their luxury products in Greece’s ‘flagship’ destinations – Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. While most are aware that these flagship destinations are known as Greece’s largest tourist destinations, they all believe that there is still a market for more luxury products and services in these areas.

“Our company invests in a higher quality product in Santorini. We believe that the quality is not currently up to standards yet, so better quality products means better places in Santorini than other locations,” said Nikos Sfakianakis, the exhibitor for Santo Maris Oia & Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa.

Mr Louis Seguier, the exhibitor for Myconian Collection, also spoke about the continuing demand for luxury products, in an already populated Mykonos.

“Greece is Greece, and Mykonos is Mykonos. In a way, Mykonos stands on its own. Mykonos has its own market. What many people don’t know is that Mykonos does attract people who seek 5-star accommodation and service,” he said.

“These aren’t necessarily people who party hard, they are families and people who want to experience Mykonos in a different way. Of course, some people want to party, that’s why some of the hotels are designed for a younger crowd. Other hotels are more secluded for people who want to be away from the crowds.”

Pompeo shrugs off anti-US protest in Athens, says Greece can be ‘pillar’ for regional stability

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Pompeo shrugs off anti-US protest in Athens, says Greece can be ‘pillar’ for regional stability

Shrugging off anti-US demonstrations on a visit Saturday to Athens, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Greece can be a pillar of stability in a troubled region.

Pompeo is in Greece to underline support for a NATO ally and reinforce cooperation, signing an amendment to a mutual defence cooperation agreement, sources for both governments said.

“This is a dynamic region, with lots going on, lots of change taking place and we are very confident that together, we can work to ensure that Greece can be a pillar for stability in this region,” said Pompeo, hailing a relationship that “has truly never been stronger.”

Thousands of demonstrators outside the Greek parliament begged to differ, some brandishing a huge banner reading “Pompeo go home.”

His visit comes amid Greek concerns to which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis alluded — Turkish drilling off EU member Cyprus.

The discovery of huge gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean has triggered a race to tap the region’s resources and sparked a dispute between Turkey and Cyprus.

“The United States has a special interest in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Cyprus only asks for the obvious, the implementation of international law.

“I expect the positive contribution of the United States, which will eventually lead to the creation of a more constructive and productive environment in the region,” Mitsotakis added.

Turkey has had troops stationed in Cyprus since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.

As well as holding talks with Mitsotakis, who took office in July, Pompeo was also meeting Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.

Pompeo refused to address questions from reporters on allegations that President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine for political favours, a claim which has launched an impeachment investigation.

18 charged in cartel operation investigation at Greece’s two major ports

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18 charged in cartel operation investigation at Greece’s two major ports

Eighteen individuals, including prominent shipowners, are facing charges as a wide-ranging investigation gets underway Greece’s two major ports, Piraeus and Thessaloniki, linked to cartel operations in the ports.

Authorities have suspend six pilots and the harbour master of Thessaloniki as well as the chief pilot in Piraeus.

Greek media has reported four tug company owners are allegedly involved. None of the accused has been identified by name and as the investigation was rocking the ports there was no official statement form the Greek police. Greek authorities have sent pilots from Piraeus to ensure smooth operations in Thessaloniki after local pilots were detained for questioning.

According to reports in Thessaloniki, Greece’s gateway to the Balkans, the alleged ring’s members were forcing shipping companies to pay money under the table to expedite ships’ approach. They also allegedly colluded to make ships unnecessarily employ tug boats to enter the port.

Wider media reports indicate the probe began after complaints by a Thessaloniki tug company, which competitors forced out of business. Pilots acting with tug owners and port officers are said to have been fixing prices and abusing safety rules to maximise employment time.

“No matter how this specific case will conclude, the way in which port navigation is conducted in our country needs to be reviewed,” the ThPA was cited as saying in a statement.

The affair was uncovered by a new internal affairs unit within Greek police, and though Thessaloniki is primarily a containership terminal, local reports indicate the investigation focuses on small gas carriers approaching the nearby refinery of Hellenic Petroleum.

Meanwhile, pilots in the Cosco-controlled Piraeus port are said to have had their laptops and other records investigated. The chief pilot of Piraeus has been suspended over a charge he violated article 169 of Greece’s criminal code, the Shipping Ministry said. That article lays down a six-month jail term for disobedience to officials seeking legal assistance.

The investigation surfaced as the state sell-off fund Taiped is moving ahead on the future utilisation of another 10 regional ports, after appointing new administrations to the port authorities of Volos, Kavala, Igoumenitsa, Corfu and Alexandroupoli.

Source: Seatrade Maritime

Syrian toddler has drowned after wondering from refugee camp

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Syrian toddler has drowned after wondering from refugee camp

Greek authorities say a Syrian toddler has drowned at a beach in southern Greece after the boy wandered away from his parents and exited a migrant camp.

The Ministry of Citizen Protection, which oversees Greek police, says that the boy was 2 ½ years old. The boy drowned Sunday afternoon after leaving the camp in the city of Andravida in the western Peloponnese region.

An inquiry has been launched by Greek officials.

Ambitious new budget revealed for Greece, tax cuts in 2020

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Ambitious new budget revealed for Greece, tax cuts in 2020

Greece is aiming for higher investment and tax cuts to assist with economic growth in 2020 as the country recovers from a decade-long debt crisis.

Greece has revealed an ambitious budget for next year that assumes growth will accelerate to 2.8 per cent from a projected 2.0 per cent this year, driven by higher investment inflows and cuts in corporate and personal income tax.

Theodoros Skylakakis, deputy finance minister, said on Monday the centre-right government was also committed to achieving a 3.5 per cent primary budget surplus next year — before making debt repayments — as agreed with Greece’s international creditors.

The finance ministry plans to boost revenues by raising the percentage of electronic payments required to earn tax breaks and at the same time increase annual taxes on luxury second homes outside big cities.

Investment is projected to rise 13.4 per cent in 2020 compared with an 8.8 per cent increase this year. Private consumption would rise by 1.8 per cent against 0.6 per cent in 2019, according to the budget.

Greece also said on Monday it had hired several international investment banks to reopen its March 2029 debt issue, as it looks to take advantage of a sharp fall in its borrowing costs.

Greece, once the focus of the eurozone debt crisis, returned to the international bond market this year and saw its borrowing costs hit record lows as eurozone government bonds surged.

Greek 10-year government bonds yielded 1.442 per cent on Monday afternoon, down from more than 3 per cent in March.

Source: ANA

Hellinikon Casino proposal inspired by the Acropolis & Caryatids (Pics)

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Hellinikon Casino proposal inspired by the Acropolis & Caryatids (Pics)

One of the two bidding companies for the Casino at Hellinikon project, the Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment in collaboration with GEK TERNA, presented at INSPIRE Athens on Tuesday.

INSPIRE Athens is the idea for the first integrated touristic casino complex (Integrated Resort and Casino – IRC ) in Greece.

The building complex is drawn its inspiration from the Acropolis and the Caryatids.

The development consists of a luxurious hotel, entertainment venues, conference center, shops, restaurants, casinos, as well as a complete combination of high quality services.

Mohegan said that the project will help launch a new era of tourism development and economic prosperity for Greece and the entire region.

Inspired by the Acropolis and the Caryatids

The building’s flagship design is a creation of Steelman Partners, an international architectural firm specializing in the design and construction of IRC complexes.

The inspiration for the architectural design comes from Greece’s architectural past, and in particular from Athenian statues and buildings, including the Acropolis and the Caryatids.

“We realized that the purpose of INSPIRE Athens is to symbolize more than just an integrated hotel complex,” said Marios Kontomercos, President and CEO of Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment.

“We hope that INSPIRE Athens will become the catalyst that will fuel the development of the entire Greek region in the sought after Athenian Riviera, and redefine Greece’s modern identity forever.”

With state-of-the-art facilities that will make Athens a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination, a multi-purpose, indoor event and impressive pools and waterfronts, INSPIRE Athens will combine luxury hospitality and endless entertainment in a way that no other has never been to Southern Europe before.

Much of the complex was designed to take advantage of Greece’s preference for outdoor activities, so almost all restaurants, bars and nightclubs will offer both indoor and outdoor experiences. Dining areas and shops will include internationally recognized brands as well as popular Greek products that emphasize traditional Greek customs.

The goal of INSPIRE Athens is to make a point of reference in Southern Europe by organizing music concerts with artists from international venues, theatres, major sporting events, as well as other high quality artistic and cultural activities on a weekly basis.

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment Chairman and CEO Marios Kontomercos, presenting the IRC plan, said: “We hope we have the opportunity to make our vision a reality and that with this hospitality destination – a landmark we will raise Athens as the ultimate tourist destination. ”

The development of INSPIRE Athens is estimated to create more than 7,000 jobs in the area during and after construction, including direct and indirect jobs.

Completion of the IRC is expected to increase international tourism in the Attica region by at least 10% and contribute millions of euros annually to both the Greek state and its citizens in the form of taxes, levies and improvements to infrastructure and services.

Australia bushfires: Dozens of houses destroyed or damaged

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Australia bushfires: Dozens of houses destroyed or damaged

Scores of blazes burned across the state and neighbouring Queensland on Tuesday as temperatures climbed as high as 40C (104F) in some areas.

Authorities said one man had suffered serious burns in a fire that was thought to have been deliberately lit.

Drought-affected parts of eastern Australia have endured intense fires since September – the start of spring.

Authorities have described it as the worst start to the fire season on record in some areas.

Bushfires were presently affecting more than 100,000 hectares of land. In some areas, the blazes had raged for more than five weeks.

  • Early Australian bushfires ‘an omen for summer’

Dozens of houses were razed or damaged in the rural town of Rappville and surrounding areas on Tuesday. Authorities said they were investigating it as a possible case of arson.

A home in Laidley, Queensland, was destroyed in a separate fire.

One Rappville resident, Danny Smith, told reporters on Wednesday: “I’ve lost the bloody sheds, the house, lost everything.”

Another man was flown to hospital after suffering serious burns while trying to protect his home, authorities said.

“For a little while there, we even hit catastrophic fire conditions and now we’ve dropped back into the extreme conditions,” said Queensland deputy fire commissioner John Bolger.

The bushfires follow record high winter temperatures and sparse rainfall. Prior to that, Australia had its hottest summer on record.

Many areas of south-east Australia are enduring a prolonged and severe drought, which scientists say is being exacerbated by climate change.

The Hellenic Initiative’s 7th Annual Gala raises more than $2.3 Million

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The Hellenic Initiative’s 7th Annual Gala raises more than $2.3 Million

The Hellenic Initiative’s 7th Annual Gala has raised more than $2.3 million by enthusiastic response from the Greek diaspora.

Beatriz Perez, The Coca-Cola Company SVP, Communications and Sustainability Officer and THI Chairman Andrew Liveris

The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) hosted its 7th Annual Gala held in New York City raised more than $2.3 million, making it the most successful fundraising event in the Greek Diaspora globally, according to THI President George Stamas. More than 850 guests attended from the U.S., Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. The event honored the work of The Coca-Cola Foundation.

“This year’s Gala was our best ever and it is a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Greek Diaspora who want to connect to and support the Greek homeland,” said THI Executive Director Peter Poulos.

Now in its seventh year, THI has provided grants of more than $15 million to support its twin missions of building entrepreneurial programs that help keep talented young Greeks from leaving the country and providing crisis relief for underserved communities in Greece, particularly children.

During the Gala, THI and the Coca-Cola company announced a new $1 million donation to ReGeneration. Greece’s largest internship program, which has engaged with more than 400 companies. The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Hellenic Initiative, and the Coca-Cola Company are founding donors of ReGeneration.

About The Hellenic Initiative

Founded in 2012, THI is a global, non-profit, secular institution mobilizing the Greek Diaspora and Philhellene community around the world to support sustainable economic recovery and renewal for the Greek people. THI’s programs build entrepreneurial skills in a new generation of business leaders and also address crisis relief through strong non-profit organizations.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation

Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has given back more than $1 billion to enhance the sustainability of local communities worldwide. Priority areas include empowering women, protecting the environment, and enhancing communities through education, youth development, and other community and civic initiatives.

Greek designer stitches together ‘The Thread’ production at Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

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Greek designer stitches together ‘The Thread’ production at Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

Internationally acclaimed British choreographer Russell Maliphant, Greek composer Vangelis and London-based Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou have joined their formidable forces in “The Thread,” a production inspired by the story of Ariadne which marries the two seemingly incongruous worlds of Greek mythology and contemporary dance. Eighteen Greek dancers, six trained in folk dancing, the rest in ballet and contemporary dance, portray a new vision of movement for today’s audiences.

Following a successful European tour and a show at the Epidaurus Ancient Theater last summer, “The Thread” is coming to the Athens Concert Hall for a series of performances from November 20 to 24 as well as December 3 and 4.

Two dead from lightning strike as heavy storms cause destruction in western Greece

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Two dead from lightning strike as heavy storms cause destruction in western Greece

Thunderstorms swept western Greece on Tuesday causing flooding, power outages and claiming the lives of two people struck by lightning. One was a 35 year old national of Bangladesh working in the area.

The storms battered the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea and western Peloponnese, causing mud slides in the streets of seaside village Agia Efthymia.

The heavy weather was expected to move eastward and fade by Wednesday morning.

The Athens national observatory’s Zeus system recorded more than 10,500 lightning bolts by 1000 GMT, more than half over the sea. Lightning struck a palm tree in Cephalonia, causing a fire in a residential area.

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