Statement by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis on convention tourism report conclusions

"All Athenians can feel proud of their city for yet another reason. This is irrefutably confirmed by the results of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) report on the international conference market and the global ranking of conference destinations for 2008. Despite the general unfavourable economic conditions and the impact of the global crisis, and despite the insistence of all those who, through their behaviour and scheming, seek to turn Athens into an inhospitable city, our city enjoyed one of the most impressive increases amongst all city destinations and took 15th place (up from 25th) as a city convention tourism destination. And because nothing happens by chance, the City of Athens' decision to establish the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company and the Athens Convention Bureau, a move which sought to boost tourism - particularly convention tourism which operates year-round - has been justified following this result."