Travel Massive is expanding into Western Greece

Travel Massive in Greece is growing quickly and we want to share more about our most recent launch in Patra and Western Greece!

The launch event brought together representatives of the local tour companies, water sports organizers, hoteliers, restaurant and souvenir shops owners. The first part took place on the Rio Antirio Bridge (Gefyra), followed by drinks and networking at Centro Porto bar in the centre of Nafpaktos.

The main topic discussed at the event was the development of the tourism industry in the region, with a focus on the Rio–Antirrio Bridge , which is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges in the world. It connects Greek’s mainland with the the Gulf of Corinth near Patras and Western Greece. It plays a very significant role in the daily life on local residents, but is also one of the most remarkable touristic landmarks in the region.

Travel Massive members were sharing ideas and suggestions on how to bring the Bridge onto an international map of tourist attractions, in the same making it the heart of local community integration.

Meet the organisers!

Alexandra Lavida works in Destination Marketing and Management. She loves dogs, the sea and water sports.
Alex is currently working in the yachting industry and promoting all things lux. Her hometown is Nafpaktos and she would love to see it bloom.

Panos Zikos is the owner of Brilliant Maritime LTD a startup company in yachting, and is in Mykonos for the season providing yachts and cruises. He also excels in winter sports and is an avid traveller and business man.

What motivated you to launch Travel Massive in Western Greece?

“Ι strongly believe that Western Greece, which stands next to the Ionian Sea and islands, and near Costa Navarino and Porto Heli has a lot to offer both in alternative tourism and in luxury tourism. The Rio Antirio bridge unites cities across the region and gives direct assistance both in hospitalization incidents as well as in professional development. I believe that this area is underrated and not given the proper attention, and I would like to see it blossom into a prosperous tourism destination.

Tourism in Western Greece is very underrated, we have the fantastic products but we don’t know how to distribute them properly. It is not being promoted as it should, due to lack of interest or money. – Alexandra Lavida

What can we expect from Travel Massive Western Greece in the nearest future? Any cool events planned? New cities joining?

“We had a very strong interest in Travel Massive Western Greece, which is why we had to change the chapter name, and that alone I believe is what motivates us to have more events soon, in every city, to promote different strategies and marketing plans. Agrinio, Mesologgi, Kalavrita, Parnassos and Arachova, along with Trizonia Island and other islands from the Ionian sea are joining as well. Kalamata is on the cusp of Western Greece and showing a great interest as well.” – Alexandra Lavida

The launch event of Western Greece wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors and supporters: Giannis Sipsas (Vice Mayor of Nafpaktos), Hotel Nafpaktos, Hotel Regina Nafpaktos, Centro Porto run by Afrodite Koubiou, Gefyra (Rio Antirio Bridge) represented by Giannis Freris.

Anula Galewska is part of the Travel Massive Global Team, and the organiser of our Berlin chapter. Anula is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Travindy, the leading platform for sustainable tourism news and insight. She is specialising in sustainable tourism and business development in Central and Eastern Europe.