2024-08-25 03:05:36
From the Germans to the Japanese – no one remains unmoved by the “paradise” of Meteors. The unique stone formations create a breathtaking scenery.
2.5 million visitors from all over the world are estimated to visit Meteora every year, numbers that rank it in second place among the top travel destinations of mainland Greece, with all that this implies for the diffusion of the tourist stream to other areas as well beyond the country’s traditional destinations.
Speaking to APE-MPE, the mayor of Meteora, Lefteris Avramopoulos, pointed out that the countries of origin are the USA, the countries of Northern and Southern Europe (Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain), Asia (China, Japan, Korea), the Balkans (Serbia) and before the war, Israel, Russia, Ukraine.
Religious element and shocking landscape
Highlighting the rich portfolio of tourist products that the region has, Mr. Avramopoulos focused on the religious element of the region, stressing that the winter season is what attracts visitors mainly from the Balkans and Russia.
At the same time, Meteora, these giant rocks jutting into the sky, are an ideal destination for lovers of nature and spiritual travel. The amazing monasteries that adorn the top of this rock are monuments of world cultural heritage.
But also “thorns”
Regarding this year’s development, the mayor pointed out that this year’s arrivals are lower than last year’s levels. In fact, he emphasized that this is due both to the Olympic games in Paris, to the increase in inflation worldwide, to the explosion of military conflicts in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.
However, the disasters caused by the floods of last September on the Paleofarsalo – Kalambaka line have also created a big problem as it is out of service, as he characteristically mentioned.
With reference to the actions of the Municipality on the front of the promotion of the destination, it was emphasized that a comprehensive program of promotion and management of the destination has already been drawn up, which will be a driving force for the development of the wider region. For us, the biggest challenge is the increase in the overnight stays of visitors and the opening of the “umbrella” in the wider area as well as the addition of new forms of tourism, such as ecological, geo-tourism, cultural, Mr. Avramopoulos characteristically underlined. In fact, the above products had the opportunity to meet Serbian journalists on a familiarization trip recently organized by Ck Strategies.
The following is the full text of the interview of the mayor of Meteora, Lefteris Avramopoulos, to APE-MBE and the journalist Kostas Chalkiadakis:
Q: Give us the tourist mark of Meteora on the tourist map of Greece. How many visitors are there each year? What markets do they come from? How many are the accommodations in the wider area?
AP: Meteora is the second leading travel destination in mainland Greece. Every year about 2,500,000 visitors arrive in the area. The countries of origin are the USA, the countries of Northern and Southern Europe (Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain), Asia, China, Korea, Japan, the Balkans (Serbia) and before the war, Israel, Russia, Ukraine. In the Municipality of Meteora there are 7,000 beds in hotel units while there are approximately 800 airbnb and rooms for rent.
Q: What features make the Meteora destination unique?
AP: Meteora, these giant rocks jutting into the sky, are a paradise for nature lovers and spiritual journeymen. The amazing monasteries that adorn its top rocks are monuments of world cultural heritage, while the unique stone formations create a breathtaking scenery. The Theopetra Cave, is another treasure of nature with the stalagmites that form unique designs, it is yet another impressive natural creation that highlights the omnipotence of nature in our area. The villages of the Municipality of Meteora, precious pieces of the traditional Greek landscape. The beautiful squares, the stone houses and the hospitable inhabitants compose a unique picture of life. Traditional events, celebrations and local flavors await visitors to discover and enjoy. The mountain massif of Meteora, with its hiking trails and rich vegetation, is an ideal destination for those looking for contact with nature. With the special ecological character of the area, the opportunity is provided to live a unique experience, exploring the incredible variety of local flora and fauna.
Q: How important is pilgrimage tourism for Meteora? From which countries do visitors to Meteora come?
AP: Domestic tourism, mainly in the winter season, is due to the religious element of the region and many Orthodox Christians, mainly from the Balkans and Russia, choose Meteora for their holidays because of the intense religious character of the region.
Q: Besides the unique religious monuments, what can the visitor experience in Meteora?
AP: In addition to the pilgrimage nature, Meteora is also suitable for alternative forms of tourism, such as: conference, sports, adventure (climbing, mountaineering, rafting, cycling).
Q: How does the municipality respond to the challenges of tourism development in the region?
AP: The Municipality has drawn up a comprehensive promotion and management program for the destination which will be a driver for the development of the wider region. Through our design we aim to project the unique identity of our municipality, an identity that reflects the richness of our cultural and religious heritage, the uniqueness of the natural environment, our love of history, and our commitment to sustainability. Our vision is to create a coherent and unified identity for the Municipality of Meteora. An identity that unites all residents and encourages the attraction of visitors to every corner of our region. In this identity, each village, each region and each community is an important part of the chain that makes up our municipality. Every day we deploy the tools that serve this strategy in order to win the future we deserve. For us, the biggest challenge is the increase of overnight stays by visitors and the opening of the “umbrella” in the wider region as well as the addition of new forms of tourism, such as ecological, geotourism, cultural.
Q: How are arrivals moving this year?
AP: This year’s arrivals are lower than last year’s levels, this is due both to the Olympic games in Paris, to the increase in inflation worldwide, to the explosion of military conflicts in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. However, the disasters caused by the floods of last September on the Paleofarsalo – Kalambaka line have also created a big problem as it is out of service.
Q: Which markets stand out?
AP: The markets that stand out are those of the United States and Northern Europe. For the above reasons, we have already planned and in mid-October we are expected to host 13 journalists from the largest media in America. The articles and reports that will emerge from this experience will convey to readers the magic of the Meteors, the mystique of the religious ceremonies and the warmth of the inhabitants. Through similar fam trips, we aim to open up important tourist markets for the further promotion of the tourist product of our region.