On 31MAR, an invited group of industry professionals gathered to celebrate both Greece and Israel and their shared culture. It was a Mediterranean party, complete with live music and scrumptious Greek and Israeli food.
Held at the Windsor Arms Hotel in downtown Toronto, the evening was hosted by Jerry Adler, Deputy Director at Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gal Hana, Israel Consul, Director of Tourism, and Sofoklis Savvas, Exhibitions and Trade Coordinator for the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), based in New York.
Well-attended by guests from both organizations and members of the trade, the evening was an excuse - in Jerry Adler’s words, “to celebrate open borders and trade connections” and simply get together to remind the Canadian travel industry of the many vacation choices available in Israel and Greece.
While the connection between the countries might not be immediately obvious, Jerry explained that with a shared ancient history of “conquering and conquerors” there are many similarities when it comes to food and culture.
Certainly those similarities aren’t lost on Sofoklis Savvas, who was standing in for Konstantinos Charokopos, Director of the GNTO. Sofoklis walked attendees through the resources for foodies and culture seekers available on the GNTO website. Pro-tip for agents: the website also hosts some seriously drool-worthy images of food, stunning scenery and cultural events – all available free for use with attribution.
With fascinating culture, amazing food and glorious beaches, either Israel or Greece could, in their own right, supply anyone with endless vacation opportunities. But for clients wishing to experience both countries, cruises are available and two-centre holidays are possible with flights from Athens to Tel Aviv on LY (and also budget / regional carriers).
Many in attendance at the event have been selling both Greece and Israel for years, with familiar faces everywhere. Representatives from tour operators, consolidators and retailers alike enjoyed the event – the traditional music and typical foods including favourites like falafel and moussaka, tzatziki and olives all added to the warm mood.
With all of the warmth of a two-centre Israel and Greece holiday, it really was a mezze made in heaven!
