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	<title>News &amp; Speaking Engagement | Angela Gerekou</title>
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	<description>Keynote Speaker for Culture &#38; Tourism</description>
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	<title>News &amp; Speaking Engagement | Angela Gerekou</title>
	<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/</link>
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	<item>
		<title>Worldtourismforum</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2023/04/20/worldtourismforum/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:08:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243646</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Angela Gerekou Mrs. Gerekou is the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization since August 2019. Mrs. Gerekou holds a degree from the School of Architecture of the University of Rome. She also has a significant career in acting. She studied in Derek Jakoby’s “London Academy of Performing Art” in London, UK and she was [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/angela-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-243650" /></p>
<h3>Angela Gerekou<br />
Mrs. Gerekou is the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization since August 2019.</h3>
<p>Mrs. Gerekou holds a degree from the School of Architecture of the University of Rome. She also has a significant career in acting. She studied in Derek Jakoby’s “London Academy of Performing Art” in London, UK and she was a member of Federico Fellini’s student group in Italy.</p>
<p>Mrs. Gerekou has served as Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism from 2009-10, and Deputy Minister of Culture from 2014-15. Additionally, from 2004-2012 she was elected multiple times as a member of the Greek Parliament.</p>
<p>Since 2011 she is President of the Board of Directors of the Ionian Cultural Center which hosts since then the Corfu Festival of Arts.<br />
During 2005-2006 she was appointed as the National Representative on Global Progressive Forum’s campaign against AIDS.<br />
She is a volunteer participant in various social initiatives for environmental protection, youth culture and sensitive social groups.</p>
<p>She is an Ambassador for Tourism in ICC Hellas and a honorable member for Hellenic association women in culture and tourism.<br />
She is an activist for sustainable development and women rights, as a Senior Senator for Greece and Vice President for WBAF’s Global Women Leaders Committee.</p>
<p>Mrs. Gerekou represent Greece as Senior Senator in the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum.</p>
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		<title>GNTO: Authentic Experiences Can Enhance Greek Yachting Tourism</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2023/02/17/gnto-authentic-experiences-can-enhance-greek-yachting-tourism/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:05:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243679</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The inclusion of authentic experiences on yachting and sailing trips will further enhance the Greek tourism offering, said Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou during the 2nd Panhellenic Yachting Conference that opened in Athens on Friday. Gerekou referred to the contribution of the segment to Greece’s recovery in 2022, adding that it was [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The inclusion of authentic experiences on<strong><a href="https://news.gtp.gr/2017/06/01/sailing-yachting-best-way-experience-greece/"> yachting and sailing trips</a></strong> will further enhance the Greek tourism offering, said<strong><a href="https://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=503"> Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou</a></strong> during the 2nd Panhellenic Yachting Conference that opened in <strong><a href="https://www.gtp.gr/LocPage.asp?id=75">Athens</a> </strong>on Friday.</p>
<p>Gerekou referred to the contribution of the segment to Greece’s recovery in 2022, adding that it was a top priority to attract travelers interested in <strong>yachting</strong> and <strong>sailing experiences</strong> all year round.</p>
<p>At the same time, she said repositioning the Greek marine tourism market should be next on the agenda. This she said should follow the focus of the national marketing strategy for the promotion of ‘<strong>brand Greece</strong>’, enhancing the “<strong>sea and sun</strong>” model as well as dynamically repositioning the country as a top of mind sustainable destination offering a multitude of authentic experiences 365 days a year.</p>
<p>Actions should include “enriching this model with multi-thematic, authentic experiences, such as highlighting pristine, coastal and island destinations and the authentic way of life of small local communities, <strong>gastronomy and culture</strong>, <strong>wellness experiences</strong>,” said Gerekou.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_243682" style="width: 1209px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243682" class="size-full wp-image-243682" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-gerekou-yachting-conference.jpg" alt="" width="1199" height="799" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-gerekou-yachting-conference.jpg 1199w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-gerekou-yachting-conference-980x653.jpg 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-gerekou-yachting-conference-480x320.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1199px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-243682" class="wp-caption-text">GNTO President Angela Gerekou at the 2nd Panhellenic Yachting Conference. Photo source: GNTO.</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The GNTO chief also said that Greece could tap into “<strong>green yachting</strong>” experiences offering visitors eco-friendly trips to the country’s ‘smart’ islands</p>
<p>In this direction the GNTO promotes Greek yachting experiences through its participation at international tourism shows, organizes fam trips and global campaigns which promote Greece as a <strong>12-month destination</strong>. At the same time, the Greek tourism board is reaching out to new and more markets with the opening of branches in <strong>Madrid</strong> and <a href="https://news.gtp.gr/2023/01/19/greeces-new-gnto-melbourne-branch-to-boost-ties-with-diaspora/"><strong>Melbourne.</strong></a></p>
<p>The <strong><a href="https://about.gtp.gr/?lang=el">Greek Travel Pages (GTP)</a></strong> is a media sponsor of the 2nd Panhellenic Yachting Conference.</p>
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		<title>Greece is more than sun and beaches, &#8216;it has a winter too&#8217;</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2022/11/27/greece-is-more-than-sun-and-beaches-it-has-a-winter-too/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Nov 2022 17:16:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243689</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[by Patrizio Nissirio) (ANSAmed) &#8211; ATHENS, 24 NOV &#8211; &#8220;Greece&#8217;s strategy is to expand the destinations people would want to visit across the country, and to encourage tourists to explore Greece not just in summer, but winter too,&#8221; ANSAmed was told Thursday by Angela Gerekou, president of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO). Gerekou noted [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243690" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/greek-president-a-gerekou.jpg" alt="Gnto president Angela Gerekou " width="497" height="440" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/greek-president-a-gerekou.jpg 497w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/greek-president-a-gerekou-480x425.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 497px, 100vw" /></p>
<p>by Patrizio Nissirio) (ANSAmed) &#8211; ATHENS, 24 NOV &#8211; &#8220;Greece&#8217;s strategy is to expand the destinations people would want to visit across the country, and to encourage tourists to explore Greece not just in summer, but winter too,&#8221; ANSAmed was told Thursday by Angela Gerekou, president of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).</p>
<p>Gerekou noted that, &#8220;in our new campaigns &#8211; &#8216;Greece has a winter too&#8217;, is the slogan &#8211; we are make it very clear that Greece is not just sun and beaches, and it&#8217;s not only the islands. We have also beautiful beaches in northern Greece, and western Greece&#8221; that almost no one is aware of.</p>
<p>She also stressed that, &#8220;now in GNTO our main target is to promote&#8221; such lesser-known areas of the country.</p>
<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s plenty of beauty to be found in Greece, no matter where you are in the country. Greece can be always in season,&#8221; she said.</p>
<p>The current year looks set to end on a positive note, she adds, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019.</p>
<p>&#8220;We still have tourism till December,&#8221; she pointed out.</p>
<p>&#8220;Greek tourism is heading for an excellent year, supporting public revenue, despite inflationary pressures worldwide and the environment of high uncertainty that has emerged following the energy crisis.&#8221; According to Gerekou, Greece is setting a new record for tourism between the months of October and December.</p>
<p>&#8220;Revenues for 2022 have already surpassed the 18.2 billion euros generated in 2019. At the moment, Greece is set to have earned around nineteen billion euros for the current year,&#8221; she added, noting that many Italian tourists continue to visit the country.</p>
<p>Gerekou then outlined GNTO&#8217;s main priorities for the immediate future, with a focus on 2023.</p>
<p>&#8220;For Greece, our primary production and cultural heritage are huge &#8220;national funds&#8221;, which also strengthen and enrich the Hospitality Economy. At the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO, we give special emphasis to mixing Greek Hospitality, Food and Culture as organically as we can. Highlighting this triptych is a priority for us,&#8221; she said.</p>
<p>&#8220;In this context,&#8221; she added, &#8220;last April, on my own initiative, we organized the &#8220;1st Symposium Greece the Country of EF ZIN: the sustainable Economy of Hospitality in connection with the Greek Diet and Culture&#8221;.</p>
<p>&#8220;The whole country offers a huge variety of experiences, that strengthen and rejuvenate the body, spirit and soul of the visitor,&#8221; she continued.</p>
<p>&#8220;EF ZIN (which refers essentially to physical and spiritual wellbeing) is the ancient Greek philosophy and way of living that empowers body, mind and soul. Translated into the needs of the modern man, EF ZIN is the good nutrition &#8211; the Greek Mediterranean diet &#8211; exercising close to nature, the rejuvenation at sea and in our thermal springs, cultivation and empowerment of the spirit, positive thoughts, respect for one another, respect for the environment, and to the future generations,&#8221; she wrote.</p>
<p>Among the attractions in 2023, she noted, in addition to traditional events such as the festival of Athens and Epidaurus, the city of Eleusis &#8211; next year&#8217;s &#8220;Cultural Capital of Europe&#8221; (the complete program is at https://2023eleusis.eu/) &#8211; is turning into a new tourist destination.</p>
<p>Many people from across Europe are expected to &#8220;inundate the historic city of Western Attica next year&#8221;, she added.</p>
<p>&#8220;Eleusis, as one of the five Holy Cities of antiquity, possesses rare archaeological wealth. The temple of Demeter and Persephone, the entrance of the Underworld at the Plutonium, the Caryatids of the Propylaea and the solid walls create one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Greece,&#8221; she concluded.</p>
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		<title>Winners Of The Destination Of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2021</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2021/10/22/winners-of-the-destination-of-sustainable-cultural-tourism-awards-2021/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:43:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243719</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[&#160; The winners were announced during the Award ceremony that took place in Athens, Greece, on 21st October 2021. The ‘Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism’ Awards enhance the visibility of European cultural tourism destinations, create a platform for sharing experience and knowledge and promote networking between destinations. The 2021 edition is focused on the theme [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_243720" style="width: 1223px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243720" class="wp-image-243720 size-full" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WINNERS-OF-THE-DESTINATION-OF-SUSTAINABLE-CULTURAL-TOURISM-AWARDS-2021.jpg" alt="" width="1213" height="876" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WINNERS-OF-THE-DESTINATION-OF-SUSTAINABLE-CULTURAL-TOURISM-AWARDS-2021.jpg 1213w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WINNERS-OF-THE-DESTINATION-OF-SUSTAINABLE-CULTURAL-TOURISM-AWARDS-2021-980x708.jpg 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WINNERS-OF-THE-DESTINATION-OF-SUSTAINABLE-CULTURAL-TOURISM-AWARDS-2021-480x347.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1213px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-243720" class="wp-caption-text">Winners Of The Destination Of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2021</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The winners were announced during the Award ceremony that took place in Athens, Greece, on 21st October 2021.<br />
The ‘Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism’ Awards enhance the visibility of European cultural tourism destinations, create a platform for sharing experience and knowledge and promote networking between destinations. The 2021 edition is focused on the theme of ‘Regenerating European Tourism through Culture, Heritage and Creativity’ and is supported by the Via Francigena Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), the Creative Tourism Network, FEDECRAIL – European Federation of Museum and Tourist Railways and E-FAITH – European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage. The Awards contest was open to tourist destinations across Europe, to showcase their results and outputs in sustainable cultural tourism under seven categories.</p>
<p>The winners and runners-up were selected by the Jury (composed of representatives of ECTN, the European Travel Commission, Europa Nostra, NECSTouR and the Directorate General for Education and Culture, European Commission), out of 36 applications received from 14 European countries. Angela Gerekou, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization and ETC member as well as Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of the European Travel Commission were among the jury members of this edition, bringing their extensive expertise on sustainable tourism to the evaluation of the applications.</p>
<p>Three of the winning projects were submitted by ETC members – the German National Tourist Board and the Romanian Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism:</p>
<ul>
<li>The German National Tourist Board launched a digital image campaign on social media called Feel Good to promote Germany as a destination with reliable and diverse sustainable tourism products. The campaign has direct synergies to cultural tourism due to topics like local traditions and regional products (arts, exhibitions, handicraft, regional food, urban gardening, organic restaurants) and engagement of the local population. Customers were inspired to use public transport and diverse possibilities for slow travel like hiking and cycling.</li>
<li>The marketing campaign #WanderlustGermany by the German National Tourist Board addressed nature and active travellers with a focus on cycling and hiking which is just around the corner from major cultural highlights or even pass those. Following the standstill in global tourism caused by the coronavirus pandemic, studies revealed that customers considered the COVID-19 risk being particularly low nature-oriented holidays and individual forms of holiday. Accordingly, the campaign focused on the diverse range of products with well thought-out hygiene and safety concepts and first-class service. Through the focused use of digital communication measures and events in local markets with great potential, the campaign focused on targeted impulses for the new start of incoming tourism for Germany.</li>
<li>The Romanian Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism has created a voluntary system for the recognition of National Cultural Tourist Routes, developed by tourism organizations or by local public authorities. The initiative derives from the recognition of the local potential in promoting the historical and archaeological heritage, as well as religious or gastronomic traditions in Romania. The Cultural Tourist Route of the Wooden Churches in Romania and in the Republic of Moldova is a transnational network connecting villages, cities, counties, districts in which local communities built their own churches over the centuries. It is an extraordinary journey into history and local legends.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The full list of winners:<br />
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MUSEUMS AS CULTURAL TOURISM ATTRACTIONS</h3>
<h4>1st prize:</h4>
<p>Krapina Neanderthal Museum and and Site Hušnjakovo<br />
by Museums of the Croatian Zagorje, Croatia</p>
<h4>2nd prize:</h4>
<p>Nerezinac Lugger – sailing interpretation center of maritime heritage of the island of Lošinj<br />
by Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, Croatia</p>
<h4>3rd prize:</h4>
<p>Zenica City Museum<br />
by Zenica City Museum, Bosnia and Herzegovina</p>
<h3>WALKING TOURISM AND SLOW TRAVEL – SYNERGIES WITH CULTURAL TOURISM</h3>
<h4>1st prize:</h4>
<p>Rab Archaeological (T)races – open-air museum<br />
by Lopar Cultural Centre, Croatia</p>
<h4>2nd prize:</h4>
<p>Feel Good – Campaign to promote sustainable tourism products and services in Germany 2020<br />
by German National Tourist Board, Germany</p>
<h4>3rd prize:</h4>
<p>Breakfast at Margina<br />
by Association for the Promotion and Development of Tourism (APDT) in Timis County, Romania</p>
<h3>DIGITALISATION IN SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM, TOWARDS SMART DESTINATIONS</h3>
<h4>1st prize:</h4>
<p>Old Vine House Renovation and Digitalisation<br />
by Maribor Tourist Board, Slovenia</p>
<h4>2nd prize:</h4>
<p>Digitalisation of Cultural Heritage throughout Slovenia<br />
by Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Slovenia</p>
<h4>3rd prize:</h4>
<p>Digital story-telling on coastal and maritime cultural heritage in Marsaxlokk, Malta<br />
by Wageningen University &amp; Research, Netherlands</p>
<h3>Special mentions:</h3>
<p>Ghent Altarpiece Visitor Centre: Lam Gods Sint-Baafs<br />
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Ghent, Flanders, Belgium</p>
<p>NollaMap – Mapping Nolla’s mosaic around the world<br />
by Nolla Ceramics Research and Dissemination Centre (CIDCeN), Spain</p>
<h4>TRANSNATIONAL THEMATIC TOURISM PRODUCTS, INCLUDING EUROPEAN CULTURAL ROUTES</h4>
<h4>1st prize:</h4>
<p>Development and Sustainability Strategy of the Way to Santiago in Barcelos<br />
by Barcelos City Council, Portugal</p>
<h4>2nd prize:</h4>
<p>Cultural Tourist Route of the Wooden Churches in Romania and the Republic of Moldova<br />
by Ministry of Economy, Business Environment and Tourism, Romania</p>
<h3>CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES (CCIS) CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURAL AND CREATIVE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT</h3>
<h4>Joint 1st prize:</h4>
<p>Enhancing Cultural restructure of Sustainable Tourism’s Perspectives on Kimolos Island<br />
by “Kimolistes” NGO, Greece</p>
<h4>Joint 1st prize:</h4>
<p>ReGeneration Festival 2020 in the Boboli Gardens, Florence<br />
by Fondazione Mascarade Opera ONLUS – The New Generation Festival, Italy</p>
<h4>3rd prize:</h4>
<p>Naoussa Strategy as “The City of Wine” and Grape Harvesting Week Festival<br />
by Municipality of Naoussa, Greece</p>
<h3>Special mention:</h3>
<p>Chocolate Museum Zagreb<br />
by Chocolate Museum Zagreb, Croatia</p>
<h3>RAILWAY HERITAGE ASSETS FOR CULTURAL TOURISM</h3>
<h4>1st prize</h4>
<p>“Railway and Steam” Educational and Interactive centre<br />
by Gulbene Municipality Agency “Gulbene Tourism and Cultural Heritage Center”, Latvia</p>
<h4>2nd prize:</h4>
<p>Baťa under the Tatras Museum in the Svit railway station<br />
By Museum Baťa under the Tatras, Slovakia</p>
<h4>SPECIAL JURY PRIZE – ADDRESSING THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC</h4>
<h5>National level:</h5>
<p>WanderlustGermany campaign to discover the nature highlights on walking and cycling tours<br />
by German National Tourism Board, Germany</p>
<h5>Regional level:</h5>
<p>Maramureș Museum Heritage Trail – Cultural Tourist Route<br />
By Maramureș County Council, Romania</p>
<h5>Local level:</h5>
<p>ReGeneration Festival 2020 in the Boboli Gardens, Florence<br />
by Fondazione Mascarade Opera ONLUS – The New Generation Festival, Italy</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="ECTN Awards Ceremony 2021 - Athens, Greece" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KkELYn0ONko?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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		<title>Conference Highlights</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2021/10/20/conference-highlights/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:11:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243735</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Opening address by the President of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Ms Angela Gerekou &#160; Video message by the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Mr Savvas Perdios]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Angela Gerekou, GNTO President" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjzeVeMdViE?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Opening address by the President of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Ms Angela Gerekou</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="ECTN Conference 2021 Highlights - 20-22 October 2021, Athens, Greece" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBhrvyCvw9E?feature=oembed"  allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-243735-1" width="640" height="360" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.culturaltourism-network.eu/uploads/b/50604825-885629789697309253/dmt_cy_776.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.culturaltourism-network.eu/uploads/b/50604825-885629789697309253/dmt_cy_776.mp4">https://www.culturaltourism-network.eu/uploads/b/50604825-885629789697309253/dmt_cy_776.mp4</a></video></div>
<div class="paragraph"></div>
<div class="wsite-video">
<div class="wsite-video-wrapper wsite-video-height-282 wsite-video-align-center" title="Video: dmt_cy_776.mp4">
<div id="wsite-video-container-238690868368208318" class="wsite-video-container finished-loading-video"></div>
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</div>
<p><strong>Video message by the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Mr Savvas Perdios<br />
</strong></p>
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		<title>Interview with the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization Angela Gerekou</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2021/06/14/interview-with-the-president-of-the-greek-national-tourism-organization-angela-gerekou/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:31:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243663</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[By Iphigenia Moraitini Patriarchea “All you want is Greece”. Why and how? Along with all its problems, the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us to reset the counter, realign with the principles of sustainable tourism and make extensive use of digital tools—to benefit everyone and create new thematic special interest tourist products and services, offered comfortably [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>By Iphigenia Moraitini Patriarchea</strong></p>
<h3>“All you want is Greece”. Why and how?</h3>
<p>Along with all its problems, the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us to reset the counter, realign with the principles of sustainable tourism and make extensive use of digital tools—to benefit everyone and create new thematic special interest tourist products and services, offered comfortably and easily.</p>
<p>All you want is Greece, because, how could you not?</p>
<h3>People will always come to Greece in their search for Antiquity; an experience which is both profoundly personal, and communal in that it ties with the average Greek’s perception of the ancient world. What sort of experience should they have?<br />
</h3>
<p>The beauty of Ancient Greek history is that it’s everywhere and in everything, as anyone who joins an ancient Athens sightseeing tour will quickly realize! Taking a walking tour of Ancient Athens, strolling through Plaka and Monastiraki… or go beyond the capital to Ancient Greece’s imposing temples, striking citadels, and iconic monuments. Attend a performance at a preserved ancient theatre. From the oracle at Delphi to the site of the original games at Olympia, to enter the world of the classics is to be transported millennia back in time.</p>
<p>So what sort of experience should they have? Like you said, it’s personal. Whatever they seek.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INTERVIEW-ANGELA-GEREKOU-12-6-21-III.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="700" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243667" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INTERVIEW-ANGELA-GEREKOU-12-6-21-III.jpg 471w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INTERVIEW-ANGELA-GEREKOU-12-6-21-III-202x300.jpg 202w" sizes="(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px" /></p>
<h3>Let’s talk about the Greek Diaspora: Are we “tourists”?</h3>
<p>The Greek Diaspora is in a class of its own in many ways; we do refer to “ethnic tourism” when discussing people visiting friends and relatives (or, VFR), but we also consider it an entirely different form of travel, which acts as a catalyst for economic and sociocultural development as well as being far, far more resilient than others.</p>
<p>A VFR traveller also interacts with Greece in a completely different way, participating in activities more traditionally associated with locals, not visitors. And of course he profits from the decreasing costs of international travel the most.</p>
<p>So no, the Greek Diaspora are not “tourists”, but “travellers”. Aren’t we all, in a way?</p>
<h3>Every organization has a “user 0”—the average person for whom the product is meant. Who is Greece’s “tourist 0”?</h3>
<p>Tourism as you know is a major contributor to Greek economy and a sector of rising competitiveness at global level. At present, Greece’s strategy focuses on:</p>
<p>Prolonging the tourist period</p>
<p>Promoting the country’s international appeal</p>
<p>Increasing the volume and reach of foreign tourists</p>
<p>Strengthening domestic tourism.</p>
<p>But in order for this to have a positive impact only, we also bank on tourists following the global trend: becoming more environmentally sensitive, and more interested in qualitative elements of a particular destination: elements such as air quality, improved water and waste management, preserving local charm and traditional ways of life, sourcing food locally and so much more.</p>
<p>So… who is tourist 0? A responsible, curious visitor, travelling with an open mind and a sense of wonder, looking for singular experiences we can provide: culture, gastronomy, sports, rural tourism, as well as sheer physical and mental wellbeing!</p>
<h3>How has the covid pandemic affected the Greek tourism industry -and your plans for it- thus far?</h3>
<p>While it is true that the pandemic caused and continues to cause a great economic downturn, it also gave us the opportunity to strategically improve the Greek tourist sector, most especially the connection between environment and tourism. The GNTO strongly believes that creating a positive environmental footprint is a key factor for our future!</p>
<p>While sustainability was always going to be the driving principle of any rethink, global trends are also supporting our drive towards reducing seasonality and diversifying beyond the traditional sea, sun and Antiquity, which have historically been the drivers of Greek tourism: ecotourism, folk art, cultural events and excellent hospitality services are of critical import.</p>
<p>Green investments, upgrading marinas, creating cultural pathways and improving winter infrastructure have been happening, and need to continue. There is major interest in strengthening Greece’s wellness related capital, founded in the internationally recognized value of Greek nutrition and holistic lifestyle.</p>
<p>As a final word, the GNTO used the pandemic to improve its reliance on data. A more data driven tourism sector, with good digital underpinnings are essential in achieving our goals.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INTERVIEW-ANGELA-GEREKOU-12-6-21-II-683x1024-1.jpg" alt="" width="683" height="1024" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243669" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INTERVIEW-ANGELA-GEREKOU-12-6-21-II-683x1024-1.jpg 683w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INTERVIEW-ANGELA-GEREKOU-12-6-21-II-683x1024-1-480x720.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 683px, 100vw" /></p>
<h3>What does the future look like? You were recently heard advocating sustainable tourism growth and responsiveness to global trends, as well as diversification. What do these words mean in practice, for Greece, in the covid and post-covid era? And must one wait until after COVID is past us to implement them?</h3>
<p>No. This is a critical juncture for the travel industry, and we strongly believe that waiting until the COVID era ends would be a mistake- a terrible decision in both moral and business terms.</p>
<p>We are working in an environment with continuous competition, high demands, which is very important for the future of our country.</p>
<p>It is by developing the three qualitative pillars of our tourism that we will be prepared for the next step: environmental economics, social activity, digital activity. Mass tourism will still exist, of course, but we are betting on quality as the key to our wellness and prosperity.</p>
<h3>What metrics or other means are best for estimating the impact of tourism on Greece’s society and economy?</h3>
<p>Good question. I actually shared my thoughts on this at the UNWTO’s 66th workshop, in Athens!</p>
<p>At the present time, old systems are pervasive and form a major roadblock towards getting results and making improvements, especially on a local scale. We are currently in a great phase of digitization, which we believe will lead to exponential gains in terms of metric indicators, as well as time and money.</p>
<p>So please, ask me again in a year or two.</p>
<h3>A. Articles about you name you as “architect, actress, model, politician, mother, and wife”. If you had a choice, in what order would you place the above occupations, and why?</h3>
<p>There is really no order. I am all those things, and all those things are me.</p>
<h3>B.The same articles clarify that your role is to “shake things up”. In your opinion, what is it about you that does that?</h3>
<p>Intention. I’ve said it before—I aim to be a Shaper, using vision to inspire and promote change. It is the only way to turn obstacles into exciting challenges and bravely push on when others feel like quitting.</p>
<h3>“Here is to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them”. What does this saying mean to you?<br />
</h3>
<p>It reminds me how proud and grateful I am to be a Greek woman, wife and mother, and calls on every one of us to raise the bar for those who will come next.</p>
<p>Source: Hephaestuswien.com</p>
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		<title>EOT: The Greek sea is a vast, open museum</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2021/05/12/eot-the-greek-sea-is-a-vast-open-museum/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2021 13:33:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243715</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The goal is to promote diving tourism The strategy of Hellenic Tourism Organization EOT is the promotion of Greece as an international center of culture and sustainability, underlined the President of EOT, Angela Gerekou, welcoming the start of the work of the 2nd International Conference “Dive in Blue Growth”, which is being conducted online from [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>The goal is to promote diving tourism</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-243716 size-full" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EOT-Ag.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="349" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EOT-Ag.jpg 590w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EOT-Ag-480x284.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 590px, 100vw" /></p>
<p>The strategy of Hellenic Tourism Organization EOT is the promotion of Greece as an international center of culture and sustainability, underlined the President of EOT, Angela Gerekou, welcoming the start of the work of the 2nd International Conference “Dive in Blue Growth”, which is being conducted online from today 12 to 14 May by the European program “MyDryDive” to promote accessibility in areas with underwater cultural treasures.</p>
<p>As the President of EOT explained, the promotion of the underwater cultural heritage, as well as tourism and specifically diving and marine tourism, must go hand in hand with the principles of sustainable development, an idea that is now espoused in Greece .</p>
<p>“Greek land is a vast, open museum. And so is our sea,” stressed Ms. Gerekou, clarifying: “Asopos Laconia, Ermioni, Lavreotiki, Methoni, Leros, Fourni, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Falassarna are just some of the many places in the Greek seas. And of course the Sporades Diving Park, a model project, as for the first time in Greece a diving park is accessible to the whole public, through MeDryDive technologies “.</p>
<p>Concluding her speech, Ms. Gerekou pointed out that EOT has already designed an autonomous communication campaign on maritime-diving tourism, while all its digital tools, the Visit Greece and the Visit Greece app, will showcase the wonderful efforts of marine cultural heritage.</p>
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		<title>GNTO chief Gerekou: Our aim is sustainable tourism growth</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2020/11/27/gnto-chief-gerekou-our-aim-is-sustainable-tourism-growth/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2020 17:12:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243685</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Greek National Tourism Organisaton (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou, in an address late on Thursday to the 100th general assembly of the European Travel Commission held via teleconference, said that in order to go forward it was necessary to first take a step back and assess what has happened in the last decade. Afterwards, she added, [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243686" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-Gerekou-a.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-Gerekou-a.jpg 720w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-Gerekou-a-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 720px, 100vw" /></p>
<p><strong>Greek National Tourism Organisaton (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou</strong>, in an address late on Thursday to the 100th general assembly of the European Travel Commission held via teleconference, said that in order to go forward it was necessary to first take a step back and assess what has happened in the last decade. Afterwards, she added, there must be an analysis of the current conditions and the planning and implementation of policies for &#8220;the kind of tourism we want to have the coming years.&#8221;</p>
<p>Gerekou then raised issues relating to the tourism industry&#8217;s adaptation ahead of 2021 and presented the <strong>GNTO&#8217;s priorities for the future of Greek tourism.</strong><br />
She noted that tourism&#8217;s future depending on people&#8217;s desire to travel and that the role of national tourism organisations was to monitor developments in this area and move forward. &#8220;As GNTO, we are moving exactly in this direction, aiming at sustainable tourism growth in 2021 and a new tourism model up to 2030,&#8221; she said.</p>
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		<title>Greece Aiming to Go Beyond ‘Sun and Sea’ Tourism Model</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2020/11/27/greece-aiming-to-go-beyond-sun-and-sea-tourism-model/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2020 14:02:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243725</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[&#160; The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is aiming to take Greek tourism to the next level, beyond the already established “sun and sea” offer, and provide a new travel experience to visitors, focused on sustainability. Speaking on Thursday during the 100th General Meeting of the European Travel Commission (ETC), GNTO President Angela Gerekou underlined [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243726" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/European-Travel-Commission_ETC_Gerekou.jpg" alt="" width="1075" height="641" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/European-Travel-Commission_ETC_Gerekou.jpg 1075w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/European-Travel-Commission_ETC_Gerekou-980x584.jpg 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/European-Travel-Commission_ETC_Gerekou-480x286.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1075px, 100vw" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=503">The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)</a></strong> is aiming to take Greek tourism to the next level, beyond the already established “sun and sea” offer, and provide a new travel experience to visitors, focused on sustainability.</p>
<p>Speaking on Thursday during the 100th General Meeting of the<a href="https://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?id=567"><strong> European Travel Commission (ETC)</strong></a>, GNTO <strong>President Angela Gerekou</strong> underlined the need for the tourism industry to adapt to the challenges of 2021 and she presented the GNTO’s priorities for the future of Greek tourism in post<a href="https://news.gtp.gr/monitoring-covid-19-impact-travel-industry/"><strong>-Covid-19 era.</strong></a></p>
<p>“Tourism was in an adaptation process before Covid-19, while now, after the consequences of the pandemic, changes are accelerating regarding <strong>the creation of a new tourism model,</strong>” she said.</p>
<p>“This development concerns forming a<strong> new tourism-travel experience</strong>, in addition to the traditional context of traveling for vacation, and touches on many parameters such as the <strong>environment, culture, gastronomy</strong> and overall <strong>sustainability</strong>,” Gerekou added, <strong>highlighting</strong> that the international traveler is now seeking a “holistic experience” that also focuses on<strong> health and safety</strong> issues, as well as <strong>improved services and activities</strong>, in addition to the already established “sun and sea” model.</p>
<div id="attachment_243728" style="width: 1410px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243728" class="wp-image-243728 size-full" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Greece_from-Health-First-video_1.jpg" alt="" width="1400" height="545" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Greece_from-Health-First-video_1.jpg 1400w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Greece_from-Health-First-video_1-1280x498.jpg 1280w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Greece_from-Health-First-video_1-980x382.jpg 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Greece_from-Health-First-video_1-480x187.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1400px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-243728" class="wp-caption-text">Source: GNTO</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, the GNTO’s president stressed that in order to move forward towards a new tourism model, “a step back must first be taken” to evaluate all that has taken place in the past decade.</p>
<p>“Then we have to analyze the current situation and then plan and implement policies for the type of tourism we want to have in the coming years,” she added.</p>
<h3>Developing Greece’s online presence</h3>
<p>Referring to the GNTO’s initiatives and actions in the coming period, Gerekou stated that the organization will aim to develop its online presence to the highest and most efficient level, as well as its showing in global media outlets, and highlight the comparative advantages of Greek tourism.</p>
<p>“While forming a new tourism model, we will carry out the majority of our promotional actions through the internet, also collaborating with the private sector and local authorities, in order <strong>to achieve the creation of a new Greek tourism experience,</strong>” she said.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.visitgreece.gr/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243730" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eot.png" alt="" width="1181" height="1181" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eot.png 1181w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eot-980x980.png 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eot-480x480.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1181px, 100vw" /></a></p>
<p>Summing up, the GNTO’s president underlined that the future of tourism is based on the will of people to travel.</p>
<p>“Τhat is why the role of national tourism organizations is to pay attention to developments and move forward. Here at the <strong>GNTO</strong> we are moving exactly in this direction, aiming for sustainable t<strong>ourism development in 2021</strong> and – in the following years – towards a new tourism model by 2030,” Gerekou concluded.</p>
<p>The European Travel Commission (ETC) is a non-profit organisation responsible for the promotion of Europe as a tourism destination in third markets. ETC’s 100th General Meeting took place online and was joined by a high number of members who discussed its recent activities and plans for the future recovery of European tourism.</p>
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		<title>The need for a new narrative in tourism is an urgent need!</title>
		<link>https://angelagerekou.com/en/2020/05/06/the-need-for-a-new-narrative-in-tourism-is-an-urgent-need/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[madmin832]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2020 13:18:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Speaking Engagement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://angelagerekou.com/?p=243701</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[&#160; &#160; &#160; Interdependence is the main feature of our economy, especially when it comes to a small country like Greece. A weak economy, in need of development in an international economic and geopolitical environment, where uncertainty, turbulence along with fierce competition, are the main ingredients. Recovery, a much-speculated subject, will eventually commence in the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_243704" style="width: 609px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243704" class="size-full wp-image-243704" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Angela-Gerekou-President-Greek-National-Tourism-Organisation.jpg" alt="" width="599" height="906" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Angela-Gerekou-President-Greek-National-Tourism-Organisation.jpg 599w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Angela-Gerekou-President-Greek-National-Tourism-Organisation-480x726.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 599px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-243704" class="wp-caption-text">Angela Gerekou President Greek National Tourism Organisation</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Interdependence is the main feature of our economy, especially when it comes to a small country like Greece. A weak economy, in need of development in an international economic and geopolitical environment, where uncertainty, turbulence along with fierce competition, are the main ingredients.</p>
<p>Recovery, a much-speculated subject, will eventually commence in the world of tourism. One cannot determine or compare with previous crisis scenarios as this pandemic has found us in the dark, unable to apply a template for strategies and restructures. I recently read a study by Ipsos Opinion, that only 4% of consumers believe that brands need to stop advertising, but they emphasize that the approach, content, and platforms, need to change.</p>
<p>In the same study, I note that the issue of “health and safety” (safety protocols) is now, even more so, the most important requirement of the travelling public. This applies to both business and leisure travel.</p>
<p>It is important to point out and congratulate the coordinated efforts of the Greek Government as well as, the public’s response.</p>
<p>Early action was pivotal in preventing the spread of the virus.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://travelworkspr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Travelworks-Whitepaper02-Voices-of-Clarity.pdf"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243702" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/voices.jpg" alt="" width="1073" height="531" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/voices.jpg 1073w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/voices-980x485.jpg 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/voices-480x238.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1073px, 100vw" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Till today, our country has shown a sense of responsibility and seriousness in the European and international circles. This will be rewarded in the near future, as long as it continues to move at the same pace with the public’s full cooperation.</p>
<p>The government’s priority continues to be on delaying, containing and, preparing the country to minimize serious illness and economic disruption. We must all do our part to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and I ask that you all follow the advice of the Government’s health officer. We need to be united and prepared, now more than ever, as we still have a long way to run and we are heading for uncharted waters.<br />
We are also working in ways to support businesses and organizations affected the most by restrictions on travel and public gatherings.</p>
<p>I am speaking with my Cabinet colleagues daily and the Ministry of Tourism so we are all well informed of the impact on people and businesses in this sector.</p>
<p>It is also important to broaden and maintain the production business and the wider economy until the crisis has plateaued out. This should be the main concern of the state. The structure and scope of economic policy decisions at a European level is a crucial contributor to this.</p>
<p>During this important period, I also believe that we should work in developing, learning and, equip ourselves with as much “armor” as possible. It is going to be a case of new beginnings in a changing world.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_243710" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243710" class="wp-image-243710 size-full" src="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prayer-of-Socrates.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="720" srcset="https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prayer-of-Socrates.jpg 1000w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prayer-of-Socrates-980x706.jpg 980w, https://angelagerekou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prayer-of-Socrates-480x346.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-243710" class="wp-caption-text">Give me the beauty of the harmony of soul and body. Help me count the wise as rich… and give me the wealth that only the restrained man can endure and maintain. Prayer of Socrates</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>PROGRESS, EVOLUTION, AND GROWTH AFTER A CRISIS</h3>
<p>To begin with, we need to maintain communication. Discussing news and exchanging views with our audience is of the essence. Thankfully, with today’s technology, we can achieve this via different online platforms.</p>
<p>Technology alone of course is not a panacea. While adequate privacy and data security protections can be built into the technical architecture of an immunity certificate system, full protection of personal rights and civil liberties depends on the development of an appropriate trust framework. Accompanying legislation and, in some cases, executive orders will be necessary to guide implementation.</p>
<p>With careful technical design and appropriate legislation, such an approach could be effective in the short term as nations struggle to control the pandemic and in the longer term for ongoing disease control as work sites, schools, and public places begin to reopen.</p>
<p>It is a period not only for personal development and building strength (spiritually, mentally, physically) but also to enhance and strengthen collaborations and cultivate existing and new relationships. Everything moves in cycles so we must act wisely and reprogram, yes reprogram! Focus, strength, and calm thinking /are the tools to go forward during uncertain times.</p>
<p>We ought it to ourselves and to our children, to discover the hidden positives even during a pandemic. Adapt and better oneself as well as learn how to apply improvements in the professional world.</p>
<p>Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this is a stressful time for everyone. I encourage you all to take care of yourselves and your families, during the difficult days ahead.</p>
<p>I will close these thoughts with a prayer</p>
<p>Give me the beauty of the harmony of soul and body. Help me count the wise<br />
as rich… and give me the wealth that only the restrained man can endure and maintain.</p>
<p>Prayer of Socrates</p>
<p>Angela Gerekou</p>
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