EOT _ evaluation event of the cross-border cooperation project “advenTOUR, Adventure across the borders” – “INTERREG IPA 2014-2020” for Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Nymphaeum and Pelister National Park: a single tourist destination
The added value of alternative tourism, the mitigation of seasonality and sustainable tourism development

The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) organised an evaluation event of the cross-border cooperation project “advenTOUR, Adventure across the borders” – “INTERREG IPA 2014-2020” for Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia. This is a cooperation that aims to promote and support the development of the areas of Nymphaeum (Western Macedonia) and of thePelister National Park (Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia), through the creation of a sustainable alternative tourism destination-model, including nature activities, capable of attracting visitors throughout the year.

In the crowded hotel hall of the city, the attendees were welcomed on behalf of the EOT by the Head of the Directorate of Tourism Promotion, Ms. Eleni Mitraki.

The baton was taken by the Head of the Sector of Programmes and Branches Operation, Mr. Dimitris Pappas, presenting the educational facilities and the actions of H.A.N.Th (main partner of the programme), which are implemented within the framework of the programme. Mr. Pappas also presented the adventure track (adrenaline park) that was formed in the Pelister National Park in the Republic of North Macedonia, while pointing out the added value of the project as an accelerator between the relationships developed in local communities and travellers in these areas.

On the part of EOT, the Head of the Market Research Department of the Tourism Promotion Division of the Agency and project manager of the project, Ms. Katerina Meimaroglou referred to the integrated promotional programme, implemented by the Greek National Tourism Organisation for the needs of the Nymphaeus and Pellister Park destinations and the activities that can be carried out in nature. Also presented to the attendees were the actions implemented by the EOT as a partner for the promotion of the project. Specifically, the promotional brochure, the video for the promotion of the wider area of Nymphaeum and Pellister Park, the participation of the programme in the 87th Thessaloniki International Fair (2023) and the familiarisation trips that took place (29/09-01/10/23) with the participation of journalists, travel agents, travel bloggers and tourism service providers from Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia and Bulgaria. In addition, Ms. Meimaroglu also highlighted the Key Competitive Advantages (USPs) of the two regions.

The Account Manager of MINDHAUS, Ms. Anthi Christou spoke about the value of mapping, synergies and the effective involvement of local communities in the development of integrated tourism experiences, a practice that was adopted in the design of the tourism product Nymphaeum – Pelister National Park. During the presentation of the methodology followed by MINDHAUS for the development of the project’s tourism experiences, the ways of effective identification of common objectives and the need for participants to evaluate the experience were highlighted.

Presenting his experience as a participant in the two familiarization trips, Mr. Stelios Tsialikis, Mountain Leader and manager of the outdoor activities company Trace Your Eco, spoke about the impressions he gained from the programme and the added value of the project, which successfully combines two countries in one trip-experience.

The added value of alternative tourism, the mitigation of seasonality and sustainable tourism development , as well as the importance of cross-border programmes, especially in supporting professionals, was also mentioned in his address by SETE’s Executive Councillor Mr Alexandros Thanos.

Finally, the Head of Tourism Promotion Division of EOT, Ms. Eleni Mitraki highlighted, among other things, the strategic objectives of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, the balanced geographical visibility of the country, the Increase of shares in traditional and new markets inbound tourism as well as enhancing the country’s reputation as a destination that offers unique and multi-thematic experiences. Closing the event, Ms Mitraki expressed the warm thanks of the EOT to all those who contributed to the success of the event and the project.

The event was attended by representatives of the local government and the academic community, as well as journalists and professionals active in the Visitor Economy.

A few words about the project

The project “advenTOUR, Adventure across the borders” – “INTERREG IPA 2014-2020” for Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia is a cross-border project, co-funded by the E. E and national resources. Promotes and supports the development of the two destinations Nymphaeum (Western Macedonia) andPelister National Park (Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia), as models for the development of sustainable alternative tourism with nature-based activities, capable of attracting visitors throughout the year.

The aim of the project is to highlight the two regions, which are less than two hours apart, as a single cross-border tourist destination that has the potential to support local economies through the creation of new tourism products based on the principles of sustainability and soft tourism development.

The partners of the project are the H.A.N.Th, the management authority of Pelister Park and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO).