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Sustainable Product Adding Value to Hospitality - Tourism Awards 2026

An Evening of Excellence for the Leaders of Greek Tourism
In a festive and joyful atmosphere, the (April 28) at the Athens Concert Hall, highlighting for the 13th consecutive year the most significant initiatives in Greek tourism, with journalists Maria Zafeiratou and Petros Koumbis serving as hosts. The 2026 Tourism Awards, featuring a special category—the Pool & Spa Awards—honored those who, through creativity and innovation, are redefining the concept of the travel experience. This year’s event named the North Aegean Region as the Honored Region for 2026, recognizing the authentic character, unique natural beauty, and rich culture of its islands. Through this collaboration, the region’s potential as an emerging destination was highlighted—one that combines authentic experiences, sustainable development, and a deep connection to local tradition, offering visitors a comprehensive and meaningful encounter with the region.
On behalf of the North Aegean Region, Deputy Regional Governor Ioannis Kaltakis stated: “The tourism product of our islands is constantly evolving, with the cooperation of all stakeholders yielding tangible results. Through initiatives such as the Chios Festival and the Sappho Festival on Lesbos, we are highlighting culture as a key pillar of development. Our goal is to create a modern, outward-looking, and sustainable tourism environment that attracts high-end visitors and enhances the international image of our islands.” Angela Varela, Chair of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Board of Directors, stated in her brief remarks, “These awards confirm the ongoing efforts of the Greek tourism sector to evolve and set higher goals. Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, in order to ensure that future generations inherit a destination that is just as—if not more—valuable than the one we inherited.”
4 Honorary Awards On this significant evening for Greek tourism, 4 Honorary Awards were presented. The first two Honorary Awards were presented to the North Aegean Region for the Chios Festival and the Lesvos Festival “Sappho Lesvos Festival,” respectively, and were accepted by Deputy Regional Governor Mr. S. Kaltakis along with the Region’s Tourism Team. The third Honorary Award of the evening was presented to Dr. Aikaterini Polymirou-Kamilaki, Deputy Director and Emeritus Researcher at Center for Research on Greek Folklore at the Academy of Athens, and Member of the National Council of the Ministry of Culture and Sports for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, for her significant contribution to the culture and folklore of Greece. The fourth honorary award was presented to Vangelis Perakis, Coordinator of the Sitia Geopark – UNESCO, for preserving the unique value of the region’s natural and cultural environment. Journalist Christina Poutetsi introduced the awards presented to Ms. Aik. Polymirou Kamilaki and Mr. V. Perakis.