The Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) has taken a dynamic step toward promoting authentic mainland Greece, focusing on the unparalleled natural beauty and cultural wealth of the Epirus region. The recent Zagori and Konitsa press trip was a resounding success, introducing distinguished representatives of German Media to the alternative, experiential travel opportunities that Epirus has to offer.
This initiative is part of the EOT’s broader strategy to showcase less-promoted, yet critically important, Greek destinations. The goal is to attract high-profile travelers from Germany – a market that has traditionally shown a strong interest in culture, outdoor activities, and sustainable tourism development.
The German delegation and strategic focus
The press trip, which took place from May 27 to May 30, 2026, was meticulously organized by the EOT Germany Office in close collaboration with the Municipalities of Zagori and Konitsa. The delegation was accompanied by the Deputy Head of the EOT Germany Office, Chara Prokaki.
The Zagori and Konitsa press trip was attended by journalists from top-tier German media outlets with millions of readers, ensuring maximum visibility for the Epirus region:
Die Welt am Sonntag: The iconic Sunday newspaper with over 400,000 readers.
Mortimer Magazin: A popular travel magazine with 6 million annual readers and 13,000 monthly unique visitors.
Touristikzeitung: A specialized tourism publication with 500,000 readers per month.
food-festivals.de: A web platform focusing on gastronomy, with 250,000 readers per month.
Reise-Stories: A travel portal attracting 1 million annual readers.
ReisenundGolfen: A specialized portal with 500,000 annual readers and 30,000 active newsletter subscribers.
Zagori: A UNESCO World Heritage destination
The first stop of the mission was the beautiful Zagori region. The German journalists met with the Mayor of Zagori, Giorgos Soukouvelos, in Asprangeloi. Mayor Soukouvelos presented the municipality’s plans and initiatives for sustainable tourism development, focusing on preserving the local identity and promoting the region as an international destination.
The discussion highlighted the recent, historic inclusion of Zagori in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This international recognition serves as a powerful “passport” for attracting foreign visitors and seals the uniqueness of the region’s cultural and natural landscape.
During their tour, the guests were captivated by the iconic landmarks:
The historic stone bridges of Kokkoris and Kaber Aga, monuments of unmatched architecture.
The unique Vradeto Steps, which impress with their engineering.
The imposing Vikos Gorge and the protected Vikos-Aoos Geopark.
The crystal-clear waters of the Voidomatis River.
Konitsa: A hub for outdoor activities and tradition
The trip continued with the same intensity in the beautiful, rugged region of Konitsa. The program was designed to showcase the authentic character of the area through a balanced mix of culture, history, and intense outdoor activities.
The journalists were guided through the region’s significant Byzantine monuments and toured the breathtaking Aoos Gorge, as well as the historic Kleidonia Bridge. The visit to the Bourazani Environmental Park—a model facility for managing wildlife and flora—was of particular interest, as was the exploration of the traditional “Mastorochoria” (Master Craftsmen Villages), where the art of the old stone masons remains alive.
The experience in Konitsa was experiential, as the participants:
Met with local producers, sampling the high-quality, pure products of the Epirus land.
Tested their limits with adventure sports, including river trekking and rafting on the Aoos River, highlighting the vast potential for adventure tourism in the region.
Expected benefits for Greek tourism
The results of the Zagori and Konitsa press trip are expected to be immediate and impactful. In the coming period, the participating German media outlets are set to publish extensive features, rich photo reports, and experiential travelogues.
Through these publications, hundreds of thousands of potential German travelers will discover a different side of Greece—a Greece beyond the classic “sun and sea” model, offering high-standard, year-round tourism that combines gastronomy, culture, nature, and, above all, the principles of sustainability. Through such targeted actions, the EOT continues to strengthen the national tourism product, opening new paths for the Greek periphery.
