Greece is a place of culture, the arts and sciences Its tradition of contribution to global cultural and scientific communities, combined with its outstanding natural beauty and excellent infrastructure, has made it an ideal place in which to hold conferences. Over the last few years, Greece has more and more frequently welcomed people of letters, sciences and the arts, who have participated in symposia, conferences and exhibitions. Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’, one of the most modern airports in the world in operation since 2001, greatly boosted the organization of international conferences.
Conference tourism is extremely interdependent: it requires of course a high level of background support from the host country, and at the same time it can actively contribute to improving the overall standard of services in the region. It is logical that a country chosen as a conference location should be involved in the cultural ‘product’, giving the public, both residents and visitors, the chance to experience human achievement and innovative thought.
Scientific conferences
Greece has a large number of esteemed scientists, both here in the country and abroad. Greek scientists, with their inventions, innovations and research work, play a leading part in the international scientific community. Numerous important scientific conferences take place in Greece, reflecting the significance the country places on innovative science. Medical, architectural, natural and humanistic scientific conferences enrich Greece’s cultural life, and at the same time give participants the opportunity to experience the cradle of science.
Prestigious exhibitions
Greece is situated at the heart of the Mediterranean, in close proximity to many nations. Major trade exhibitions, such as the Thessaloniki International Fair, are institutions whose prestige has gained them a significant place in the global market. Special exhibitions on architecture building, hi-tech products, sustainable economy and development, and on many other subjects are held all year round in many parts of the country, attracting both professionals from all over the world and the public. The expertise and efficiency of Greek organizers ensures that the excellent presentation of products, techniques and support structures, at a reception level, guarantee participants a productive and unforgettable stay.
Poetry
Events in Greece involving poetry and more generally speaking, the literary adventure, can be traced far back in time. It goes without saying that a country that has borne so many great poets, from ancient Alkmanas to modern-day Elytis, has played a leading role in the world of letters.
Exquisite, emblematic locations, like Delphi in Central Greece and Arcadia in the Peloponnese, frequently host symposia and seminars on poetry, literature and modern prose writing, as well as tributes to great writers, both Greek and foreign. Major universities, like those of Thessaloniki, the Aegean Islands, Athens, Ioannina, cooperate with corresponding institutions abroad to organize notable conferences that promote cultural contact between men ,while at the same time giving participants and the public the chance to get to know beautiful Greece.
Floating conferences
Floating conference tourism is an emerging trend in Greece. Participants from all over the world choose the clear-blue Greek seas and develop their topics in the most ideal surroundings, a ship slicing through the glassy waters. Mooring berths throughout the islands provide top-notch hospitality and allow visitors to combine the enjoyment they derive from their scientific field with exploration of the Greek marine environment.
Artist
Apart from being a place of inspiration for creators, Greece provides them with a warm embrace during their quests. New and established artists exhibit their work in large urban galleries, but frequently also on Greek islands or in small traditional settlements. It is not unusual for a visitor to one of the larger or smaller Greek islands or to an inland village or town to stumble upon an outdoor sculpture exhibition or enjoy an exhibition of the work of emerging artists. At the same time all year round conferences and exchanges take place on visual topics, attended by elite representatives of the international community. Art historians, art critics, creators and the public all play their part in promoting the arts and the exchange of knowledge, techniques and world views.