This year the title for Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2021 at the 28th World Travel awards went to the region of Attica. The coastal region in southeast Greece managed to clinch the coveted spot from leading international destinations such as Barcelona, Venice, Istanbul, Lisbon, Porto and Dubrovnik.

The World Travel Awards is a global body that has been rewarding the leading players in the travel industry since 1993. Today, it is internationally recognised as the ultimate travel industry accolade.

Following the initiative of Attica’s Regional Governor Giorgos Patoulis, the Development Organization operating under the name “New Metropolitan Attica”– which specializes in the strategic planning and development of important local government actions and projects – implemented the design of the nomination program that managed to demonstrate the top 10 comparative advantages of Attica, which has led to its international recognition:

1. International airport that has been awarded for its security protocols
2. Hotels and accomodation that cater for all budgets
3. The Acropolis Monuments, one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites
4. Blue Flag beaches within 15 minutes from the center of the capital
5. Easy access by ferry from the port of Piraeus – one the biggest ports in Europe – the doorway to dozens of idyllic islands in the Aegean
6. Transport by modern tram that follows a route along the entire coastal zone
7. Catering and entertainment venues in world-class yacht marinas
8. Gastronomical attractions on the Athenian Riviera, and excellent wine tasting from the famous Attica vineyards
9. A unique combination of mountain and sea, snow and endless blue
10. High-level cultural performances in a city that laid many of the foundations for Western civilization

“We are proud and delighted for this distinction that Attica receives this year from an institution of high international standing in the tourism industry such as the World Travel Awards. The recognition of our Attica, the Metropolitan Region of Greece as a top European tourist destination for 2021, rewards our coordinated efforts that – despite the Covid 19 crisis – have led to important initiatives,” said Mr. Patoulis. As he pointed out, “with a medium to long-term plan and immediate interventions, the Region of Attica, the largest region in the country, with infrastructure and sustainable development projects, with clean cities and seas, is changing the game, especially with the major investments underway that will change the image of Attica, making it a world-class metropolitan center. Our ambition is to continue to attract more and more travellers, so that they will visit it again and again and soon our Attica will win the global award.”

This article was previously published in Greek at moneyreview.gr.