31/01/2025
The Development Agency of the Imathia Regional Authority organized an informational event titled: "Investing in the Wine Tourism Experience of Imathia" on Saturday, January 25, in Naousa.
The event featured guest speaker Mr. Yannis Kalogіannidis, Sustainability Coordinator of Mazi Travel & Events, who, in his speech titled "Connecting Visitors with the Greek Vineyard," emphasized the importance of creating authentic wine tourism experiences that highlight the cultural and natural heritage of the destinations.
In his speech, Mr. Kalogiannidis discussed the dynamic nature of the Greek vineyard as a focal point for enhancing the tourism product, stressing the importance of collaboration between wineries, travel agents, and local entities. He gave examples of good practices that incorporate sustainability principles, the use of local products, and the emotional connection of visitors with the local community, history, and wine tradition. He also presented modern trends in wine tourism that focus on experiential participation in holistic wine tasting experiences, vineyard visits, and activities that strengthen the visitor's connection to the culture, environment, and people of the area.
The event also included a tasting of local wines and products, as well as a roundtable discussion featuring representatives from the tourism and winemaking sectors and local self-governing entities.
The event falls under the framework of Activity B3.5 "Talking about Wine Tourism Experiences" of the Interregional Cooperation Project "Organization and Promotion of Wine Tourism" of the CLLD/LEADER Program. The aim of the Project is to highlight wineries as hubs connecting agricultural production, culture, and tourism, with an emphasis on the sustainable development of the area. The action was carried out in parallel with the three-day event "Naousa: City of Wine," organized by the Association of Winemakers - Vine Growers of Naousa.
