ATEDCo Presentation on "Tourism and Women – Hospitality with a Scent of Woman" a great success

In an effort to highlight the contribution of women in the development of the tourism sector, the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company (ATEDCo), in cooperation with Women in Tourism-Greece staged a presentation on the topic "Tourism and Women - Hospitality with a Scent of Woman" on 31 May at the Antonis Tritsis Hall of the City of Athens Cultural Centre.

The presentation focused on the role of women in tourism, highlighting the importance of women's business activity in the tourism sector as part of the economic development of Athens.

In her talk, Dr Katerina Katsabe, Athens City Council Member and ATEDCo president, highlighted the role and contribution of women to the development of the tourism sector and also made extensive reference to the problems that tourism enterprises are facing due to the economic situation impacting Greece. With regard to the role of women in tourism, she noted that "women constitute an important part of the work force. Specifically in the service sector, the role of working women is particularly important. However, women are becoming more and more involved in entrepreneurial activities. The state is obligated to actively support efforts to boost women's entrepreneurship. Based on Eurostat's recent figures, 56% of European workers in the tourism sector are women. Greece is rather low at just 44%."

In closing, Katsabe made special reference to the work being carried out by the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company in following Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis' strategic plan, which aims to strengthen and promote the image of Athens abroad as an urban and conference tourism destination. Its impact has so far been deemed particularly satisfactory.

The presentation was also addressed by the president of Women in Tourism-Greece, Irini Matzavelaki-Vasilopoulou, who spoke on the significant contribution made by Greek women in promoting the tourism product, as well as efforts being made to establish a Tourism Museum.

Other speakers included Georgios Tsakiris, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, who, in his talk titled "The contribution of women to tourism-findings and outlook," said "there are almost 900,000 people directly or indirectly employed in tourism in Greece, according to World Travel and Tourism Council figures. It is particularly impressive that more than 50% of this work force is women. Tourism, therefore, is the only sector of the Greek economy where the penetration of women exceeds 50%."

For her part, the president of the Women's Association of Managers and Entrepreneurs (IAGME), Angelina Michailidou, made reference to the low proportion of participation by women in positions of responsibility, emphasising that "in today's tourist enterprises, prejudices do not help. IAGME is in a position to help women wisely assume positions of responsibility to help tourism grow further."

Finally, Dr Periklis Lytras, professor and president of the Tourist Enterprises Department at the Athens Technological Educational Institute, in his talk titled "Communication policy and women in periods of tourism crisis" referred to the inadequate communication that exists today in tourism, particularly in periods of crisis. A large part of the promotion can and should be delivered by women from the point of view of social psychology.

The event was coordinated by distinguished journalist Nina Vlachou.

For more information:
Kalliopi Andriopoulou
Τ. 210 3253123
F. 210 3216653
kandriopoulou@atedco.gr