Greece has been named the new chairing country of the UNWTO Commission for Europe (CEU) for the period 2019-2021 according to an announcement made by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, last week.

Founded in 195 the CEU is one of the six subsidiary organs of the UNWTO General Assembly. The UNWTO's commissions cover the following six regions of the world: Africa, Europe, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and South East Asia.

Following a unanimous vote, the 40 member states elected Greece for the presidency of the CEU during the organization's 64th CEU Meeting in Zagreb, Croatia.

"With Greece's election to the chair of the UNWTO's CEU, the tourism ministry implements the strategic aim of Greece having a more active presence and essential role in discussions with international tourism bodies, as well as a strong representation abroad," the Greek tourism ministry's announcement said.

The result of the vote will be confirmed at the 23rd UNWTO General Assembly in St. Petersburg, Russia in September.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

As my sister’s name day was coming up, we decided to have a family night and enjoyed the traditional American cuisine of  ‘TGIF’ (TGI Friday's).  Although the restaurant was packed, it was worth the wait and of course, what better way to digest than to go for a lovely stroll. A relaxing walk was the perfect recipe to unwind from a busy week. One of my favourite past time events is to admire the city-like boats that allow me to travel in the big blue sea without stepping foot off the ground. The creative names of the yachts take me from country to country, city to city all around the globe in a matter of minutes.

Our evening came to an end with a tantalizing mango flavoured frozen yogurt from ‘Chillbox’ which had somewhat of a ‘brain-freeze’ effect. It made my feet come back down to earth subsequent to the majestic journey of travelling the world. That’s one of the beauties of Athens, there is something for everyone whether it’s dining, entertainment, dancing or even visiting this tropical like fantasy.  Back to life – back to reality….time for bed it was, with a bit of optimism that I would be fortunate enough to continue my journeys that night even in my dreams!
 

This My Week In Athens post was provided by Thanasi - a sixteen year old high school student living in Athens.
 

The tangible reminders of a history both triumphant and traumatic remain scattered throughout northern Greece. Although the region has only been part of Greece since the Balkans were carved up in the 1912-13 Balkan Wars, it is hardly a young territory: Macedonians, Illyrians, Thracians and Romans all ruled in ancient times, while the Byzantines, Slavs and Turks later held sway for lengthy periods. Myriad monuments, fortresses, churches and mosques attest to their diverse influences.

Today, with the grand Egnatia Odos Highway spanning the region completed, northern Greece is also getting easier - and quicker - to navigate. It is also becoming a pretty happening place.

Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, offers outstanding eateries, nightlife and culture, while Epirot university town Ioannina is a lively spot close to the magnificent Pindos Mountains.

Even fairly provincial Thracian cities such as Xanthi, Komotini and Alexandroupoli offer a piece of the action. And northern Greece even boasts great beaches - both for those seeking summer nightlife and for others seeking more secluded spots.

However, the most spectacular sights are surely held at those of Epiros, a place that will take your breath away. The lofty Pindos mountain range has for thousands of years been safeguarding civilisations and confounding invaders. Bisecting the Pindos is the stunning 12km-long Vikos Gorge - probably the world's deepest - and now a national park filled with leafy forests, waterfalls and ice-cold mountain lakes, and surrounded by immaculate traditional stone-and-slate villages, the Zagorohoria.

 

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