{"id":93246,"date":"2026-06-25T09:52:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T06:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horecaexpo.gr\/?p=93246"},"modified":"2026-06-25T09:52:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T06:52:48","slug":"business-lab-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horecaexpo.gr\/en\/business-lab-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Lab 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Future of Hospitality: Technology, Sustainability, and Digital Strategy in the Service of Competitiveness<\/h3>

Monday, 16th February<\/h3>[vc_column_text css=””]Completion of the Business Lab: A Day Dedicated to Financing and Strategy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The fourth and final day of the Business Lab at HORECA 2026 concluded in the most substantial way. From how bookings are generated, to how decisions are financed, and how an investment matures\u00a0in order to\u00a0truly yield returns. It was a day of strong interest, full of practical takeaways, tying together the major priorities of the market into one chain: sales, strategy, capital, development.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The program opened with the panel that has always concerned every hotelier, but today takes on a new dimension, as it explains the realistic role of direct for a hotel: strategic\u00a0objective\u00a0or complementary channel.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moderated by journalist Viki\u00a0Vamiedaki, the panel featured Markos Georgiou, Managing Director of\u00a0Loguers, Marios\u00a0Kounelis, Chief Sales Officer of\u00a0webhotelier\u2013primalres, and\u00a0Thodoris\u00a0Katsimpras, COO of\u00a0BookOnlineNow. The discussion unfolded across four clear pillars. First, direct as it exists in practice,\u00a0expectations versus reality,\u00a0with emphasis on the most common mistakes in efforts to increase direct bookings, and on cases where direct fails not because of the OTAs, but due to the hotel\u2019s own flawed strategy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This was followed by the section on parity, OTAs and balance, focusing on how a hotel can strengthen its direct channel without breaking parity or creating conflicts, as well as on practices and tools that reinforce direct without pricing clashes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A highly engaging case study\u00a0followed, because\u00a0it spoke with numbers. Marios\u00a0Gryparis, Owner of Hotel\u00a0Ninemia\u00a0Stay and Play in\u00a0Karpenisi, presented the impressive trajectory of the property, with more than 9 out of 10 bookings coming directly. A case that\u00a0demonstrated\u00a0that when there\u00a0is\u00a0the right strategy, consistency, and clear positioning, direct can become the main sales pillar \u2014 not a perpetual aspiration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The baton then passed to financing, where strategy requires capital and proper preparation to move forward. Moderated by Viki\u00a0Tryfona, journalist at Power Game, the panel featured Kostas\u00a0Vamvakas, CEO of VK PREMIUM Business Development Consultants, and Paris\u00a0Geronikol\u00f3s, Director of Investment Funding Services at\u00a0Diadikasia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion focused on how an investor or entrepreneur can choose the right financing based on criteria that lead to maximum benefit, on active and upcoming programs for HORECA businesses \u2014 ESPA, Development Law,\u00a0TEPICH III,\u00a0as well as on the remaining time frame, given that the loan component of the Recovery and Resilience Facility concludes in 2026.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_images_carousel images=”92790,92788,92786″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text css=””]Particular emphasis\u00a0was placed on key points of attention when preparing the application file, avoiding mistakes, on\u2013off criteria, correct documentation, and examples of financing that helped HORECA businesses grow. The panel closed with the core message of maturity: a business needs to have an investment plan ready, so it can seize opportunities as soon as a new program opens.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the next panel, the discussion moved to the heart of operational reality: what investment means in practice and when a renovation or upgrade translates into returns. Moderated by journalist Viki\u00a0Vamiedaki, the panel featured Theodora\u00a0Varanaki, co-owner of\u00a0Varanakis, and Vasilis\u00a0Zymnis, Director of Development Programs at Revival Consulting Services. The framework was set from the start: for a hotel unit, what is the\u00a0real challenge,\u00a0development, renovation, or proper operation in terms of cost and\u00a0performance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion progressed into\u00a0substantial\u00a0topics that touched the market exactly where it hurts. It examined when an investment in equipment is a true investment and when it is simply the purchase of machinery, which projects are considered mature for financing today, the common mistakes in hotel and F&B renovations at the infrastructure level, and which errors can cut or delay an application before it even reaches the approval stage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The section on business plan vs. reality was particularly valuable, highlighting how often plans appear that do not stand up operationally, as well as the cost of equipment when chosen without serious operational planning. The discussion continued with operating costs and the areas of a hotel that most affect daily expenses,\u00a0such as kitchen, laundry, and back of house,\u00a0along with the interventions considered safest from an investment and financing perspective.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day concluded with a discussion that\u00a0opened up\u00a0the horizon: development through ecosystems and European opportunities. Moderated by\u00a0Garyfallia\u00a0Tampaki, Innovation Consultant in Tourism, Shipping and Agri-food, EEN Hellas, NCP Horizon Europe, MSCA, the panel featured Katerina\u00a0Saridaki, Startup Acceleration Programs Director at\u00a0CapsuleT, Georgios\u00a0Avatangelos, Commercial Banking Senior Director, Agricultural Entrepreneurship Centers, Piraeus Bank,\u00a0Nikiforos\u00a0Kritik\u00f3s, Co-founder and CEO of iSPACE, and Anastasia\u00a0Sarchosoglou, Project Manager at the Enterprise Europe Network, National Documentation Centre, Innovation Consultant in Agri-food and Coordinator of EEN Hellas. The panel brought brand, business maturity, financing, networks, tools, and European pathways into one frame, offering practical direction to businesses seeking to move from\u00a0a good product\u00a0to systematic growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]

Sunday, 15th February<\/h3>[vc_column_text css=””]Digital Marketing & Social Media: Day 3 of the Business Lab Reveals What Truly Delivers Results<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The third day of the Business Lab at HORECA 2026 confirmed what the market already knows: digital is not \u201ccommunication\u201d\u2014it is sales. The theme\u00a0Social Media\u00a0and Digital Marketing attracted strong interest and was\u00a0highly successful, as it brought to the forefront the key question every hospitality and\u00a0foodservice\u00a0business is trying to\u00a0answer:\u00a0what truly works, what drives bookings, what generates revenue, and how it is measured.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day moved from digital transformation in tourism and hospitality, to social media as a demand-generation tool, the real digital funnel, the complete marketing stack of a hotel, viral content for restaurants and caf\u00e9s, 12<\/span>\u2011<\/span>month content strategy planning, and finally, the industry\u2019s growing need for performance without waste, supported by clear ROI measurement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day opened with the participation of the Department of Tourism Studies of the University of Piraeus, featuring presentations of applied projects and a workshop on digital transformation. The focus was on practical tools and solutions that businesses and destinations can adopt, confirming that digital transformation is not a vague narrative but a set of choices, data<\/span>\u2011<\/span>driven decisions and smart tools that enhance competitiveness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the first major panel of the day, moderated by Penny Georgakopoulou, Founder of Smart Ideas, the audience received exactly what it was looking for: clear answers and realism. The panel included Maria\u00a0Theofilopoulou, Social Media Manager at Mariner, Michail\u00a0Ikoutas, Managing Partner at Three Sixty Marketing, and Vasilis Polyzos, Co<\/span>\u2011<\/span>Founder and Managing Director of THE VSCOPE.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion clarified the difference between\u00a0\u201cbeautiful content\u201d\u00a0and content that drives action. It emphasized that social media in the HORECA sector work only when they are part of a strategy\u2014not a sporadic presence\u2014when they are tied to a clear objective, proper targeting, consistency and, above all, when they guide the user to the next step of the journey, from inspiration to booking. The conversation focused on what\u00a0actually converts\u00a0into demand, how trust is built, and which mistakes lead businesses to invest time and budget without results.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A case study followed\u00a0with\u00a0Giorgos\u00a0Giannios, Business Partner at Reload, who connected theory with real<\/span>\u2011<\/span>world operations. The presentation focused on the user journey and how a post becomes\u00a0interest, interest becomes a click, a click becomes a lead, and a lead becomes a booking. With a practical lens, it\u00a0highlighted the importance of continuity between content, landing pages, website\u00a0experience\u00a0and clear calls to action, ensuring that digital functions as a revenue engine rather than a\u00a0\u201cshop window.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_images_carousel images=”92658,92660,92662″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text css=””]Next, the Business Lab moved into the full digital marketing ecosystem of a hotel. Moderated by Alexandros\u00a0Filiopoulos, Instructor at IEK DELTA, the panel featured Dimitris\u00a0Serifis, CEO of\u00a0Nelios, Christos\u00a0Ditoras, Digital Marketing Manager at Mercan Capital Greece, and Stathis\u00a0Katsoulas, Web Developer and SEO Expert at WEB In Tourism.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion demonstrated that results come when all components align: a website that converts, SEO that builds steady demand, ads that don\u2019t waste budget, analytics that reveal the truth behind the numbers, and\u2014critically\u2014reputation management, because online reviews are not just feedback; they are a key decision factor.\u00a0The panel provided a comprehensive framework for building a modern digital ecosystem focused not on exposure but on measurable performance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The workshop with Tina Michailidou, Founder of GR8 Communications, and Giorgos\u00a0Tokidis, Business Support for HORECA, brought the discussion into the restaurant space with a fully practical approach. The message was clear: a dish does not go viral\u2014an experience does. From crafting the narrative, to capturing the moment, activating the\u00a0audience\u00a0and turning content into real foot traffic, the workshop served as a guide for businesses\u00a0seeking\u00a0to move beyond the ordinary and build a loyal, returning community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next workshop addressed the major challenge of consistency. Margarita\u00a0Machaira, Associate Client Service Director, and Nikos\u00a0Peggaras, Content Curator at\u00a0travelworks\u00a0public relations, analyzed how to structure a 12<\/span>\u2011<\/span>month content strategy with rhythm, thematic pillars, seasonality,\u00a0campaigns\u00a0and key moments. The core message was that content cannot be improvised; it must be based on strategy and a plan that serves specific goals, builds\u00a0identity\u00a0and creates repeatability. The value of such a strategy lies in enabling businesses to\u00a0operate\u00a0proactively, leverage\u00a0data\u00a0and invest in content with longevity and measurable impact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day concluded with one of the industry\u2019s most critical topics: measuring advertising performance. In the expert talk, Dimitris\u00a0Mathioudakis, Co<\/span>\u2011<\/span>founder of Mind\u00a0The\u00a0Ad, focused on how to calculate the return on digital investment, which metrics matter and which are noise, how to set up proper tracking and goals, and how businesses can make decisions without wasting budget on actions that do not deliver results.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_images_carousel images=”92664,92666,92668″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”]

Saturday, 14th February<\/h3>[vc_column_text css=””]New Approaches for the Tourism and Hospitality of Tomorrow<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The second day of the Business Lab at HORECA 2026 had a clear focus: people, sustainability, and space. Three pillars that may seem different, yet in practice intersect daily within a hotel, a restaurant, a bar\u2014any hospitality business striving to\u00a0operate\u00a0efficiently, stand out, and remain resilient in the future.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With journalist Viki\u00a0Vamiedaki\u00a0as moderator, the day moved from tourism strategy and destination governance to the realities of the labor market, the new profile of travelers and consumers, the role of architecture as a revenue tool, and finally sustainability as an inevitable transition with concrete steps, standards, and measurable outcomes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The University of Piraeus shows the way for the Tourism of Tomorrow: Sustainability, Destination Governance & Digital Innovation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day opened with a session of high institutional and practical value, setting the big picture: how tourism is planned when concepts such as \u201ccarrying capacity,\u201d \u201csustainable development,\u201d \u201ccultural interventions,\u201d and \u201cdata\u201d are not theory but policy tools.\u00a0Professor Petros\u00a0Maravelakis, President of the Department, introduced the framework for the tourism of tomorrow, emphasizing that destinations require governance, measurement, and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Associate Professor Sotiris Varelas then presented applied projects on the carrying capacity of the Municipality of Athens, highlighting its importance for sustainable planning and the management of urban tourism destinations, as well as tools for documentation, monitoring, and supporting public tourism policies.\u00a0A discussion followed with voices from the market and institutional bodies, including Evangelos Marinakis, President of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency (ADDMA S.A.), who offered the perspective of an organization implementing actions at the heart of urban tourism.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Assistant Professor Georgia\u00a0Zouni\u00a0presented projects and interventions connecting values, tourism experience, and sustainability, with the\u00a0GreCO\u00a0Green Cultural Oases as a central example. She emphasized the University\u2019s role as coordinator of multi-stakeholder interventions in urban environments and the value these applications bring to tourism at a European level.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The session concluded with an international perspective through a\u00a0mini-interview\u00a0with Dr. Ioannis Papas, Director for the Mediterranean Region at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, focusing on how sustainability criteria translate into measurable practices and destination competitiveness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The second session brought forward two critical areas: resilience and value-driven tourism, along with the real picture of the labor market.\u00a0Moderated by Myron\u00a0Flouris, former Secretary General for Tourism Policy & Development, the workshop emphasized holistic governance, value tourism, and destination resilience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants included Dr. Zoi\u00a0Vardanika\u00a0from the Ministry of Tourism and Alexandros Thanos, Special Advisor at SETE, opening the discussion on how Greek tourism is shifting from volume to value and from fragmentation to governance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The session concluded with the first results of a nationwide labor market survey conducted by kariera.gr in collaboration with the University of Piraeus. Assistant Professors Georgia Zouni and Katsanakis presented findings on skill gaps, staffing challenges, and the needs of employees and employers, with insights from Nikos Foros, Talent Intelligence Manager at kariera.gr.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_images_carousel images=”92502,92504,92506,92508,92510″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text css=””]Human Capital as a Competitive Advantage<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The focus then shifted to what may be the most crucial field for the future of HORECA: people.\u00a0In a panel moderated by journalist Viki\u00a0Vamiedaki, participants included Konstantinos\u00a0Sergopoulos, Associate Professor at the University of West Attica, and Anestis Anastasiou, Senior\u00a0Trainer\u00a0and HR Consultant.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion clarified the new landscape: how the concept of a \u201cgood job\u201d has changed, whether we are facing a personnel crisis or an expectations crisis, what employees truly\u00a0seek, and where employers often misinterpret signals.\u00a0Human capital was reframed as a measurable competitive advantage\u2014not a cost\u2014linked to customer satisfaction, repeat bookings, revenue, and the practices that differentiate standout businesses.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An expert talk followed, bringing in the customer and market viewpoint.\u00a0Tasos\u00a0Pediaditis, COO of Synapse Hospitality, analyzed the 2026 traveler and foodservice consumer profile\u2014what they seek, what they consider a given, and what they now reject.\u00a0A talk that\u00a0connected\u00a0strategy with real behavior, where products are judged in seconds and\u00a0validated\u00a0through experiences.\u00a0Architecture and design took center stage\u2014not as aesthetics, but as strategy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moderated by Viki\u00a0Vamiedaki, the panel included Aris Giannopoulos,\u00a0Founder, WOA Architecture, Simos Liakos,\u00a0Partner & Lead Architect, Liakos Associates Architects, and Angelos\u00a0Tzigkounakis,\u00a0Editor-in-Chief, EK Magazine.\u00a0The discussion opened with a critical question: when does design stop being \u201cbeautiful\u201d and become a revenue tool?\u00a0Topics included how space functions as a booking driver in the digital environment, how design varies by business type, and how it influences flow, dwell time, choices, and\u00a0ultimately average\u00a0spending.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Emphasis was placed on balancing impact and functionality, costly design mistakes, the importance of involving architects early, and the relationship between identity, storytelling, and brand experience.\u00a0The conversation also touched on ROI in renovations, how success is measured post-delivery, and how sustainability can be integrated into design as a competitive advantage that customers perceive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the next expert talk, Alexandros\u00a0Kitriniaris, Founder & CEO of KAAF, positioned sustainable design as an operational necessity.\u00a0With a practical approach, the discussion shifted sustainability from \u201cconcept\u201d to \u201cimplementation,\u201d emphasizing choices that endure, reduce costs, and enhance experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A panel on sustainable transformation followed, with 2030 as a European milestone toward decarbonization and 2050 toward climate neutrality.\u00a0Participants included Panagiotis\u00a0Kenterlis,\u00a0Commercial Director, Bureau Veritas Hellas, Manos\u00a0Nerantz\u00e1kis,\u00a0Energy Engineer & Consultant, Green Trust, and Kyros\u00a0Asfis,\u00a0Hospitality Digital Marketing Expert.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion covered sustainability pillars, first steps in reducing carbon footprint, enabling technologies, regulatory frameworks, and international certification standards.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Special attention was given to communicating sustainable practices credibly\u2014avoiding greenwashing\u2014and to how existing businesses with limited budgets can begin seeing results.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The second day concluded with a highly practical panel on digital transformation, guiding businesses through new digital tools, operational obligations, and recommended solutions.\u00a0Moderated by Nina\u00a0Gerarchaki, Secretary of\u00a0S.KA.MI.GE., the panel included Dimitris Goumas,\u00a0President of\u00a0S.KA.MI.GE., Dimitris\u00a0Kamarias,\u00a0Member of\u00a0S.KA.MI.GE., SEK Representative, and Michail\u00a0Polygger,\u00a0President of the Athens Accounting Association.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion focused on how businesses can\u00a0operate\u00a0safely and consistently in the new digital environment, connecting daily operations with compliance, proper support, and solutions that streamline rather than burden the enterprise.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_images_carousel images=”92514,92516,92518″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”]

Friday, 13th February<\/h3>[vc_column_text css=””]First Day Filled with Ideas, Insights and Strategies for the Future of Hospitality<\/strong><\/p>\n

With strong momentum, a full hall and discussions that touched the core of the industry\u2019s challenges, the first day of the Business Lab at HORECA 2026 began in Hall 3. For four days, HORECA opens a meaningful dialogue about the future of hospitality, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs,\u00a0academics\u00a0and market executives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day opened with a comprehensive discussion on the challenges facing the\u00a0foodservice\u00a0sector. The panel was moderated by Magda\u00a0Peistikou\u00a0from INSETE, with speakers Spyros\u00a0Kerkyras, F&B Entrepreneur, Dr. Sotiris Varelas, Associate Professor at the University of Piraeus, Giorgos\u00a0Papadogoulas, PhD Candidate at the University of West Attica and F&B Consultant, and Gikas Xenakis, Chef at Aleria Restaurant.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The conversation highlighted the\u00a0major issues\u00a0restaurants face today\u2014from cost and staff management to the effective use of artificial intelligence. Special reference was made to the most common mistakes in restaurants, as well as to the strengths of Greek foodservice that remain a competitive advantage in a constantly evolving environment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion then shifted to the hotel sector, moderated by Christina\u00a0Kousouni, journalist at\u00a0Naftemporiki\u00a0TV. The panel featured Vasilis\u00a0Riavoglou, Chief Growth Officer at\u00a0Hotelinsider\u00a0and HBIS, Nikos\u00a0Tsitsoulis, Co<\/span>\u2011<\/span>founder of\u00a0hotellab, and Dimitris Dimitriadis,\u00a0CIO\u00a0and Co<\/span>\u2011<\/span>Founder of\u00a0TheFutureCats\u00a0Innovation Consultancy.\u00a0The speakers analyzed how artificial intelligence is transforming revenue management through smart pricing models, and how the overall commercial strategy of hotels is evolving.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion focused on the new balance between online platforms and direct bookings, the importance of the right channel mix, and the need to preserve a hotel\u2019s identity amid increasing automation. Emphasis was placed on customer experience, organizational change, the skills hoteliers will need in the coming years, and the enduring value of Greek hospitality\u2014and how it can coexist meaningfully with AI tools.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A highly practical case study followed, presented by Sotiris\u00a0Kopatsaris, Managing Director of Carpe Diem Santorini \u2013 Future Hotels. Through concrete examples, he\u00a0demonstrated\u00a0how artificial intelligence and automation can be applied to the daily operations of a Greek hotel, improving processes,\u00a0revenue\u00a0and the overall guest experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Business Lab continued with a panel dedicated to the full digital organization of HORECA businesses. The discussion was moderated by journalist Viki\u00a0Vamiedaki, with speakers Lambros\u00a0Lambrianakis, General Manager of HIT Hospitality, Stratos Zervas, CEO of Business Cloud, Stavros Vasos, COO and Co<\/span>\u2011<\/span>Founder of Butler, and Michalis\u00a0Bakouris, Managing Director of\u00a0Entersoft\u00a0One F&B.\u00a0The panel highlighted the need for\u00a0a holistic approach\u00a0that connects operations, customer experience and revenue, emphasizing system integration, improved workflows and data<\/span>\u2011<\/span>driven decision<\/span>\u2011<\/span>making.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the expert talk that followed, Alkis\u00a0Rouggeris, Commercial Director of Epsilon Hospitality, focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence and automation in the daily operations of HORECA businesses,\u00a0showcasing\u00a0solutions that save time, reduce\u00a0costs\u00a0and enhance efficiency.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first day of the Business Lab concluded with a panel dedicated to Greek gastronomy. The discussion was moderated by Giorgos Oikonomou from\u00a0Nuthesia, with speakers Tasos\u00a0Giatras, Vice President of POESE, Nikos Fotiadis, Executive Chef, Thanasis\u00a0Yalouris\u00a0from Forum SA, and Nikos\u00a0Michalitsis\u00a0from Hop\u00a0On\u00a0Communication.\u00a0The panel highlighted gastronomy as a key pillar of cultural identity and economic development, emphasizing its role in the hospitality experience and in shaping the country\u2019s international image.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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