ATHENS — Representatives from 147 leading companies in Greek and international tourism participated in the 7th Travel Trade Athens conference, which was held online on April 19-20.

The emphasis of this year's conference was the training of Greek tourism executives in a comprehensive program of creative workshops, held in collaboration with major international tourism organizations; more than 100 Greek executives took part, was noted at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Additionally, at least 1,200 online meetings were held during the 2-day event, including 81 Greek tourism companies who had the chance to speak with 66 representatives of tourism industries from 22 countries.

Travel Trade Athens is the signature event of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) of the municipality of Athens. It is co-organized by This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and the European Tour Operators Associations (ETOA).

Speaking at the briefing, ETOA Policy Director Tim Fairhurst said that "the integrated strategic approach adopted by Athens, as well as the importance Greece attaches to tourism, have laid the foundation for the sustainable recovery of tourism and the economy's complete restart."

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said "we have begun the changes Athens has needed for decades to create the conditions that will attract tourism."

Aegean Airlines Chairman Eftichios Vassilakis and Athens International Airport CEO Giannis Paraschis also attended the press briefing.