The Attica Region was named Europe’s leading sustainable tourism destination for 2022, by renowned international tourism institution World Travel Awards, deservedly winning the 1st place among top international destinations such as Baden-Württemberg, Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Funchal, Pembrokeshire and the Algarve.
It is an award that promotes the comparative advantages of a place, which make it attractive for holidays, in all seasons of the year, and at the same time serves the principles of sustainability.
The promotion of Attica as a leading sustainable tourism destination was based on three main pillars:
In the cultural wealth and natural beauty of the Region (long coastline with enchanting – awarded with the Blue Flag – beaches, mountain forests of exceptional natural beauty, plains with famous vineyards and wineries to visit, idyllic islands, etc.)
In its modern infrastructure (award-winning International Airport in terms of safety and service, Piraeus – one of the leading ports in Europe, impressive yacht marinas, plenty of accommodation and catering services, entertainment, etc.)
In the comprehensive plan recommended by the Region of Attica in order to become the first “Green” Region of the country.
This plan includes:
The creation of new, environmentally friendly waste management units, which will function as integrated Circular Economy Parks
The strengthening of recycling through the supply of equipment that will be distributed free of charge to the municipalities of Attica
The separate collection of bio-waste and the construction of inter-municipal units for their management throughout Attica, with parallel free distribution of equipment to the municipalities of Attica
The formulation of an updated master plan for flood protection
The information – updating of the environmental studies
The formation of a modern civil protection model
The nomination of the Region of Attica as “Europe’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2022” was handled by the “New Metropolitan Attica” Development Organization, which specializes in strategic planning and the development of important local government actions and projects.
Regarding the declaration of Attica as Europe’s top sustainable tourism destination for 2022, the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Giorgos Patoulis, said:
“The consecutive distinctions of Attica in the World Travel Awards, the largest institution of the tourism industry, demonstrate that the methodical work done in the Attica Region, with the aim of highlighting its comparative advantages but also strengthening its extroversion, has results and is bearing fruit .
It is my deep conviction that tourism is one of the main pillars of our economy and in this context the investment in the tourism product of our Attica remains high on the agenda of our priorities.
Attica, as the largest and metropolitan Region of the country, is changing in terms of sustainable development and is changing into a modern and functional Region with a human face. The large infrastructure projects combined with visionary actions and interventions form a landscape in which everyone, residents and visitors, can experience a unique tourist experience. Attica, after taking first place in the World Ranking of metropolitan seaside destinations for 2021, at the World Travel Awards, was also declared “Europe’s Top Sustainable Tourism Destination for 2022″, which fills us with a sense of pride for what we have achieved , but also debt to complete our goals, creating Attica as a welcoming destination, 365 days a year. Attica has a present and a future that belongs to everyone.”
The World Travel Awards is a global institution since 1993, and has awarded the main protagonists of the tourism industry. Today, it is recognized as the ultimate trademark of the travel industry.
Source: Tornos News