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Athens Convention Bureau magazine

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ACB MAG

Editorial dirEctor

Giorgos Salamas

dESiGN dirEctor

Charalambos Andreanidis

dESiGNEr

Angie Paragoulia

illUStratioN

Lila Kalogeri

Editorial tEaM

Susann Byman Ruud, Nikolas DervenoulasSakis Dimitrakopoulos

PHotoGraPHY

Gerasimos Domenikos,Dimitris Koilalous

traNSlatioN ProoFrEadiNG

Yorgos Avgoustis, Laura Bodger, Danae Seemann, Michele Spurdle

ATHENS TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

PrESidENt

Aikaterini Katsabe

cEo

Panagiotis Arkoumaneas

dirEctor, atHENS coNVENtioN BUrEaU

George N. Angelis

dirEctor, toUriSM dEVEloPMENt

Manolis Psarros

PUBlic rElatioNS dirEctor

Katerina Papadopoulou

coNtact 7 Xenofontos Street, Syntagma, 105 57 athens, Greecet. +30 210 32 53 123, F. +30 210 32 16 653E. [email protected]

ProdUctioN

EKDOSEIS KORIFI S.A.253, Ethnikis Antistaseos, Pallini, AtticaT. 210 6665669 F. 210 6665810

©acB mag. all rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any

part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or trans-

mitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, pho-

tocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission

of the athens tourism and Economic development company.

Where opinion is expressed it is that of the authors and does not

necessarily coincide with the editorial views of the publisher of

the acB mag. all information in this magazine is verified to the

best of the authors’ and the publisher’s ability. However, the acB

mag does not accept responsibility for any loss arising from reli-

ance on it.

tHE acB MaG iS a QUartErlY PUBlicatioN oF tHE atHENS toUriSM aNd EcoNoMic dEVEloPMENt coMPaNY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL5FroNtliNESATEDCO NEwS 6EVENtS calENdarUPCOMING CONFERENCES DECEMBER - FEBRUARY12

airPortAThENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BUSINESS LOUNGES AND VIP SERVICES18HotElShOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE22

iNtErViEWAN INTERVIEw wITh ANDY COOPER 28MUSEUMSThE MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART30

UPcoMiNG coNFErENcESMEDIA ExPERTS FROM 100 COUNTRIES IN AThENS 36 VENUESEThNIKI CONFERENCE CENTRE:

A MODERN LANDMARK FOR PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS40traNSPortatioNAThENS TRAM42

caSE StUdiESThE 17Th ANNUAL GLOBAL FORUM “ShAPING ThE FUTURE”46

caSE StUdiES13Th INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE50cUltUrEwINTER CULTURAL hIGhLIGhTS54

FoodMEDITERRANEAN DIET58

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p/54 WINTER CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

p/58 MEDITERRANEAN DIET

p/42 ATHENS TRAM

p/46 THE 17TH ANNUAL GLOBAL FORUM “SHAPING THE FUTURE”

p/22 HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE

p/6 ATEDCO NEWS

p/30 THE MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART

p/40 ETHNIkI CONFERENCE CENTRE: A MODERN LANDMARk FOR

PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS

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Dear readers,

historically all economic recessions directly affect tourism since most travel and tourism involves discretionary expense. however, experience from past crises has shown that while people continue to travel, they travel differently from the way they do during times of economic stability. As far as conven-tion and business travelers are concerned, the demand for good value prod-ucts and services is likely to grow in combination with an increase in short haul international travel.

That is why, during the past three months, we have intensified our efforts to promote Athens as the destination of choice for meetings and conferences. Because Athens is an ideal congress destination, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent congress facilities and easy access from all over the world with world-class cultural attractions, modern amenities, diverse entertainment and natural beauty.

On the following pages, you will learn about recent conferences that have taken place in Athens and all the latest developments in our city. For more information, please visit our websites www.athensconventionbureau.gr and www.breathtakingathens.com.

Enjoy your reading, and we hope to see you in Athens soon.

EDITORIAL Panagiotis Arkoumaneas

cEo / athens tourism and Economic development company

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Official presentation of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company at the New Acropolis Museum on September 30.

The ATEDCο event at the jam-packed amphitheatre of the New Acropolis Museum was honoured by the presence of distinguished personalities and leading figures from the world of politics, tourism and busi-ness.

The mission and action plan of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company (ATEDCο) aim to promote Athens in the global tourism market, and to make the city one of the leading global destina-tions for urban and business tourism. Both were pre-sented at an official event held at the New Acropolis Museum.

In his introduction to the presentation, Mayor of Athens Nikitas Kaklamanis referred to the impor-tance of tourism for Athens and the city’s desire to contribute substantially to further tourism devel-opment. At the same time, he put particular impor-tance on the new face of Athens, and on the con-nection tourism has with economic development and the cultural identity of the city.

ATEDCο President Athanasios Spyrakos referred to the flexible and fundamental methods the compa-ny operates by, its specially trained staff and its goal to act as a platform for communication between the public and private sectors.

ATEDCo News

FroNtliNES

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The event was also addressed by the General Secretary of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Iraklis Valvis, the President of the Attica hotels Association, Gior-gos Tsakiris, and the President of the hellenic Association of Profes-sional Congress Organizers (hAP-CO), Dinos Astras. President of the Construction Organisation for the New Acropolis Museum, Dimitris Pantermalis, spoke about the New Acropolis Museum and its impor-tance for Athens.

ATEDCο CEO Panagiotis Arkouma-neas highlighted the importance of tourism for the city’s economy, re-ferring to the Company’s purpose as the official tourism body of Athens.

he also presented an integrated plan of actions and activities which has been drawn up by the com-pany’s staff, and which is already being carried out with consistency and success, and referred to the significant work which has al-ready been carried out in the short amount of time ATEDCo has been in operation.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of its activities and to help with the correct planning of actions, AT-EDCo has invested in international contacts and in exchanging tech-nical knowledge via its member-ship in international bodies such as the UN world Tourism Organisa-tion (UNwTO), the International Conference and Convention Asso-ciation (ICCA) and European Cities Marketing (ECM).

At the same time, and in coopera-tion with the University of the Ae-gean, ATEDCo has prepared the first comprehensive study on Tour-

ism in Athens during the pre- and post-Olympic periods, in order to document the actual tourism fig-ures and to highlight the challenges and strategic priorities for the next five years.

Significant Participation of ATEDCo in the European Day of Tourism and the European Commission’s Open Days 2008

within the framework of the inter-national networking programme, and with the aim of exploring the scope of funding from the EU for the scheduled period of 2007-2013, ATEDCo took part in the European day of Tourism (7 October) and in the European week of Regions and Cities (Open days 2008/6-9 Octo-ber, Brussels) which was organised by the European Commission.

The European Day of Tourism com-prised two main seminars with workshops, which focused on: 1) the funding opportunities for tour-ist development from the EU, as well as 2) the potential of city and regional networking, aimed at the uniform development of tourism projects.

All the European funding pro-grammes were presented at some length, as well as their measures

specific to tourism. In addition, selected samples of successful proj-ects from previous or current fund-ed projects were presented.

Simultaneously, within its broader role as representative of the City of Athens and of the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of Attica Prefecture at Open days 2008, ATEDCo delivered promo-tional material relating to Athens and provided an update on the activities of the City of Athens in the area of tourism aimed at con-ference visitors. At this point, it is well worth noting that during the three-day Open days 2008 event:

• Approximately 7,400 personnel and national specialist advisors, regional and local authorities and various businesses attended;

• 145 seminars and 230 exhibitions were organised;

• 216 regions and cities were represented.

ATEDCo, through its participation in the objectives of the EU, is es-sentially investing in international networking and the promotion of Athens, while at the same time it is planning the development of even more ventures in this direction.

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FroNtliNES

ATEDCo at the Annual Confer-ence of the Union of Capital Cities of the European Union

As representative of the City of Athens at the Annual Conference of the Union of Capital Cities of the European Union, which took place in Dublin from 13 to 15 October, ATEDCo took part in networking events with other European cities.

The conference, entitled “Leader-ship: The New Challenge for Eu-ropean Capital Cities,” focused on two areas:

• Ensuring economic stability by developing technical knowledge and creative entrepreneurship.

• The role of European capital cit-ies in ensuring sustainability on a global scale, particularly in com-bating climate change, and in promoting actions to develop the third world.

Most capital cities of the enlarged European Union, international ob-servers from other countries and non-governmental organisations took part in the conference.

The speakers in both areas were globally renowned and came from academia, politics and business.

ATEDCo CEO Panagiotis Arkou-maneas held a meeting with the Mayor of Dublin and the mayors of other cities and discussed matters of urban development, cleanliness and international cooperation.

The City of Athens to host the 43rd International Children’s Games in 2009

On Friday 17 October at 10:30 am in the ceremony hall at the Athens City hall, the City of Athens signed an agreement to host the 43rd In-ternational Children’s Games in 2009.

The agreement was signed by May-or of Athens Nikitas Kaklamanis and Torsten Rasch, President of the International Children’s Games (ICG) Committee.

Present at the event were the Vice President of the ICG, Johnny Kira-kopoulos; Secretary General Rich-ard Smith; the President of the Or-ganisation of Youth and Athletics (ONA), Vasilis Kikilias; and ATEDCo CEO Panagiotis Arkoumaneas.

The Games include track and field, swimming, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball and rhythmic gymnastics.

For the first time in the 40-year his-tory of the International Children’s Games, pilot events will be held for children with disabilities (“Togeth-er” events), an original idea which is an important step for integrat-ing and incorporating children with special needs, and for them to compete against other athletes and make new friends.

During the Games, there will also be cultural and social events so that the athletes and visitors to Athens can learn about Greek culture and history, as well as the contemporary side of the city. The whole venture will be supported by a powerful, energetic and enthusi-astic network of volunteers and ac-tive citizens of Athens.

The International Children’s Games are held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee for athletes of both sexes between the ages of 12 and 15.

The aim of the ICGs is to stop dis-crimination, but also to develop and promote the Olympic Idea, healthy competition, joy and the value of taking part, and the con-cept of fair play among all the chil-dren of the world.

Atedco CEO, Panagiotis Arkoumaneas, with the Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne.

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ATEDCo participates in the 4th International Conference of the UN World Tourism Organisation

Compared to leisure tourism, con-vention tourism is proving to be more sustainable during the global economic slump.

This is one of the conclusions reached at the 4th International Conference of the United Nations world Tourism Organisation, the aim of which was to highlight the importance of managing and marketing destinations as strate-gic tools for ensuring the quality of tourism. Significantly, they also discovered that creating an iden-tity for a destination is a complex strategic process for managing and promoting it.

It requires significant research in-vestment and demands a substantial contribution from all those involved in creating and promoting the tour-ism product of a destination.

The Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company participat-ed in the conference, presenting the effects of the Olympic Games on tourism in Athens from the pre- to the post-Olympic period.

ATEDCo: a major player at the London World Travel Market

As part of its plans to develop inter-national networks and to promote Athens in international markets - and especially the UK market - in a targeted manner, the Athens Tour-ism and Economic Development Company took part in the world Travel Market (wTM) event and engaged in important discussions with representatives of leading tour operators, the international media and international tourism bodies.

At the same time, ATEDCo also par-ticipated in the Tourism & Property RoadShow, where Athens was the featured destination.

During the scheduled series of meetings with international me-dia, tourist bodies and real estate companies, which took place at the Foreign Press Association premises on 12 November 2008, ATEDCo presented Athens’ prog-ress in terms of tourism supply and demand throughout the pre- and post-Olympic periods, and tour op-erators’ estimations for its future course based on primary research surveys that had been carried out.

In addition, the competitive ad-vantages and key success factors of Athens as a conference and city break destination and the ATEDCo action plan for tourism develop-ment and for promoting metropol-itan Athens were presented.

Taking into consideration the cur-rent situation, when it comes to implementing its plan to promote Athens in the international tour-ism market, ATEDCo is focusing its efforts both on traditional tourist market countries and on emerging markets worldwide.

ATEDCo’s objective is to highlight - via targeted advertising and pro-motional measures - new aspects of the Athens tourism product, such as modern infrastructure, re-cently renovated hotels, a fully re-generated historical centre, direct access to the sea, islands and coun-tryside, a wealth of gastronomic delights and forthcoming urban re-generation and cultural projects.

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FroNtliNES

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UPCOMING CONFERENCES DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

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• Multichannel Banking Strategies Conference

1 December, Megaron Athens International Con-ference Centre

The Multichannel Banking Strategies Conference, held in Athens on December 1, featured two of the leading European experts in multichannel strat-egy, hugh wilson and Moira Clark, inviting banks to discover why and how such a strategy goes way beyond cost reduction.

• 8th Annual Bank Management Conference

1 December, Megaron Athens International Con-ference Centre

In its eighth year, this annual conference is dedicated to the management practices that will lead banks out of the prevailing uncertainty and help them make the right choices for a profitable future.

• Global Forum for Media Development, Athens World Conference

7 -10 December, Divani Caravel Hotel

Some 500 media experts from over 100 countries will be invited to attend the second Global Forum for Me-dia Development in Athens on December 7-10 2008 to develop common strategies for media development and to ensure that free, independent and pluralistic media are at the core of development programmes.

The President of Greece, Dr Karolos Papoulias, will open the conference. Key speakers, such as Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk, have been invited to at-tend. high-level representatives from the UN, UNES-CO, the world Bank and other intergovernmental in-stitutions will address the conference. Senior media executives and key representatives from a wide range of media development organisations will present new and innovative ideas for ensuring sustainability of in-dependent media and media development goals.

EVENtS calENdar

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EVENtS calENdar

• Unified Communication Conference

11 December, Dais Cultural and Conference Centre

Communications are about to experience a revolu-tion as important as the discovery of the telephone or the Internet. The convergence of voice, data, video and wireless technologies is leading the way to an era where the way in which we communicate will change dramatically. The Unified Communications Conference will guide business users on how to se-cure these benefits and ensure a smooth and effec-tive transition to a UC environment.

• Cosmoderm XIII, Joint Meeting of ESCAD (European Society for Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology) and the Hellenic Society of Der-matology and Venereology

12 - 14 December, Divani Caravel Hotel

The field of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology has been attracting the attention of the scientific community over the past 30 years. Our scientific pro-gramme will cover the “hottest” topics of our subspe-cialty, including recent developments and therapeu-tic methods.

This goal will be successfully fulfilled thanks to the contribution of distinguished invited speakers who will provide a balance not only between basic and clinical science, but also between preventive and therapeutic approaches. In addition, information on the state of the art through lectures, meetings and, most importantly, through hands-on workshops on the new data will be presented by the experts in the field.

• Development of Women’s Employment & Entrepreneurship Forum

13 - 14 December, Divani Apollon Palace Hotel

On 13 and 14 December, Athens will host an exciting international event on women’s Entrepreneurship. This event will present European Policies on women’s Entrepreneurship and women’s enterprises with good practices, mainly in the sectors of production, commerce and services, to an audience of over 400 women entrepreneurs.

• 2nd International Meeting “Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: The Laparoscopic Challenge”

13 - 14 December, Grande Bretagne Hotel

This meeting brings together leading experts with many years of experience and a great depth of knowl-edge in the field of laparoscopic surgery for deep in-filtrating endometriosis. Over the two days the con-ference will address some of the most critical issues faced by laparoscopic surgeons when presented with a patient with DIE:

› Epidemiology

› Diagnosis and staging

› Anatomy

› Fertility and pain

› Surgical techniques

› Avoidance and management of complications

This meeting is being held under the auspices of the University of Athens, the hellenic Society for Gy-naecological Endoscopy and the hellenic Endometri-osis Society.

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• International Conference “Open Access Infrastructures: The Future of Scientific Communication”

15 - 16 December, National Hellenic Research Foundation

The National Documentation Centre of the Na-tional hellenic Research Foundation (NhRF) is organizing an international conference entitled “Open Access Infrastructures: The Future of Scientific Communication.” The international conference is part of the project “National Infor-mation Systems for Research and Technology, Phase III, Open Access Electronic Repositories and Journals.” The conference comes as a re-sponse to the increasing interest of the interna-tional scholarly community in taking advantage of the benefits that open access infrastructures offer in disseminating scholarly research and in the exploitation of research results.

Academics, researchers and publishers from the European Union and the USA, representatives of the European Commission and Greek public agencies will exchange ideas and experiences to inform and raise awareness of issues of Open Access Infrastructures (repositories and scien-tific journals).The international conference is aimed at the entire scholarly and research com-munity, research-funding organizations, busi-nesses, libraries and the general public.

• 6th International Conference on History: From Ancient to Modern

29 - 31 December, St. George Lycabettus Hotel

The history Research Unit of the Athens Insti-tute for Education and Research (ATINER) will organize its 6th International Conference on history in Athens on 29-31 December. The con-ference will be held in downtown Athens, with-in walking distance of the Acropolis (Parthenon) and other historical sites of Athens.

Special sessions will be organised in the fol-lowing areas: Ancient Greek and Roman his-tory; Cultural history; history of Religion; Arts history; Economic history; Political and Social history; Sports history (history of Olympic Games); history of Sciences; history of Philoso-phy; Intellectual history; Modern American his-tory; Latin American history; African history; Asian history; European history; Personalities in Philosophy and history; Interactions of Civi-lizations (East-west & North-South); historiog-raphy; historic Preservation and the Future of historical Studies.

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EVENtS calENdar

• 2nd Athens International Forum on Security

15 - 16 January, Hellenic American Union Conference Centre

The Athens International Forum on Security (AIFS), initiated and organised by the hel-lenic American Union, a non-profit institu-tion, is an independent information security conference in Greece to deliver vendor-neu-tral expertise to proactive IT professionals.

AIFS aims to provide a fresh, in-depth look into information security technologies, policies, techniques and best practices, and to help all parties involved, from front-line IT personnel to policy makers, gain valuable in-sights into key information security issues.

• The 1st International Symposium on “Renal Dysfunction and Cardiovas-cular Disease 2009”

17 January, Eugenides Foundation

The Symposium “Renal Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease 2009” is an effort to enhance the interchange of emerging new information on the pathophysiologi-cal and clinical interrelationships between the kidneys, the heart and the vascula-ture.

During the symposium, sessions will be held with the participation of world ex-perts who are pioneers in the field of car-diovascular research. Through lectures, and round table discussions, the sym-posium offers an outstanding scientific program featuring both state-of-the-art knowledge and innovative approaches toward the patient with renal impairment and cardiovascular disease.

• 5th International Meetings and In-centives Conference (IMIC) “Selling Destinations, Venues and Services”

4 - 5 February, Athinais Conference Cen-tre

5th International Meetings and Incentives Conference (IMIC) “Selling Destinations, Venues and Services: Supplier Perspec-tives, Buyer Demands”

Times have changed and destinations that can now host a conference, a corporate meeting, an incentive trip or a social event have multiplied. On the Internet, all seems to be beautiful and perfectly organised (destinations, conference centres, hotels, venues, restaurants, transportation etc.). On the other hand, buyers (potential cus-tomers) are trying to evaluate all param-eters and make the right decision.

It is now obvious that in order to “sell” the destination, the venue and our services, we have to understand our client’s needs. This is the main theme of the IMIC 2009 conference.

Top quality speakers, moderators and panellists will discuss, explain and answer burning questions on:

- what buyers really want?

- how can we successfully sell destina-tions, venues and services?

- how can we attract various types of events?

- how can we deliver successful incentive programmes?

• 23rd International Congress of the Hellenic Society of Intraocular Im-plant and Refractive Surgery

19 - 22 February, Hilton Athens hotel

The 23rd International Congress of hSIO-IRS will be held 19-22 February 2009 at the hilton Athens hotel. A rich and innovative program, focusing on cataract and refrac-tive surgery, will be presented.

It will include lectures by international faculty, round table discussions, free pa-pers, clinical instructional courses, high communication wet labs, live surgery and video presentations. The Congress will be attended by well-known and distin-guished ophthalmologists from Greece and abroad.

• 2nd International Conference on Advanced Technologies and Treat-ments for Diabetes

25 - 28 February, Hilton Athens hotel

The 2nd International Conference on Ad-vanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) will present professionals in the field and a cutting-edge scientific program focusing on the latest technolo-gies for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related illnesses.

ATTD Athens 2009 topics will include new insulin analogues and delivery systems, in-sulin pumps, glucose sensors, closed-loop systems devices for diabetic prevention, artificial pancreas, and new technologies for treating obesity.

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Passengers at Athens International Airport - Elefthe-

rios Venizelos can choose from a wide range of special

services that guarantee a pleasant and relaxing

travel experience. We present with you all the infor-

mation you need regarding the Business Lounges,

Executive Valet Parking and your transportation

with Executive Cars-Limousines.

ATHENSINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

BUSINESS LOUNGES ANDVIP SERVICES

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Business Lounges

Eight Business Lounges are located on the Depar-tures Level of AIA.

Departures - Area A (Extra Schengen)

• British Airways - Terraces

• Olympic Airways - Aristotle Onassis

• Swissport Executive Lounge

Departures - Area B (Intra-Schengen)

• Aegean Airlines - Club

• Alitalia - Donatello

• Goldair Handling

• Lufthansa - Senator

• Olympic Airways - Melina Mercouri

Executive Valet Parking

The Executive Valet Parking service enables passen-gers to avoid looking for parking space and thus save valuable time by simply handing their vehicle over to authorised personnel.

If you wish to use the Executive Valet Service, please drive your car directly to the Departures Level of the Main Terminal Building (in front of Entrance 3).

(For further information, please contact Central Parking Systems Athens S.A.)

Limousine Services

Limousine services are provided on the Arrivals Level, between Exits 3 and 4.

airPort

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Olympic Airlines

Aristotelis Onassis &

Melina Mercouri

Olympic Airlines Business Class pas-sengers, Gold Card members of Icarus FFP and Priority Pass card-holders are entitled to enjoy OA VIP Lounges at all destinations abroad, in Athens and in Thessaloniki.

There are two luxury lounges at Athens International Airport, Aristotle Onassis (Area A) and Melina Mercouri (Area B), providing high-level services including:

• Fully equipped Business Centre with private meeting rooms, PCs, Internet access, e-mail facility, telephones, fax machines and photocopiers

• Specially designed quiet areas equipped with convertible seats for enhanced comfort and relaxation

• Shower rooms

• Library / Reading area

• A wide selection of international and Greek newspapers and magazines

• Television areas

• Complimentary coffee and soft drinks (self-service kiosks)

• Wine, spirit and snack bar

• Facilities for passengers with special needs

• Smoking and non-smoking areas

Aegean Airlines - Club

Just a short distance from Aegean’s ticket office at Gate 4 of Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos you will find the Aegean Club Lounge. All Aegean busi-ness class passengers, as well as holders of the Miles & Bonus Gold card, are wel-come to enjoy the special amenities of the lounge.

The Aegean Club Lounge has been de-signed to offer a perfect combination of aesthetics and efficiency, operating smoothly in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Before boarding, you can enjoy a coffee or a snack from the buf-fet – with specially designated areas for smokers and non-smokers.

The Club Lounge also has a special area for urgent phone calls, as well as com-puters with Internet access. Passengers can also use their own laptops, plugging them into one of the many outlets pro-vided. Finally, in the reception area, you will find special lockers where you can leave your personal items in absolute se-curity.

The ever-courteous Aegean personnel are on hand to offer service with a smile – seeing to all your pre-flight require-ments.

British Airways - Terraces

The British Airways Lounge at Elefthe-rios Venizelos Airport was built with the same philosophy as BA lounges all over the world. It can be used by BA business class passengers, but also welcomes business class passengers from other airlines at times when there are no BA flights. It is one of three lounges in the Extra-Schengen area of Athens Interna-tional Airport-Eleftherios Venizelos.

The lounge opened on 21 June 2001 and covers 200 m2 of the Departures Level. It meets all security standards, including those regarding non-flammable mate-rials. In a quiet, beautifully decorated space with a fountain providing a sense of relaxation, visitors can enjoy a variety of snacks from the wine bar, drink an authentic espresso at the Cappuccino Bar, or enjoy a Scotch on the rocks before boarding.

At the British Airways Lounge, visitors can connect to the Internet wirelessly from their own laptops without unnecessary complications. In the Combiz Area, there are two computers available for anyone who wants a quick surf before boarding the plane, as well as a photocopier and fax machine. In short, business travellers have everything they need to make them feel as if they are in the office.

Yet another innovative service offered by the British Airways Lounge is a special display of duty free products. Business class passengers can order and receive their duty free in the lounge without hav-ing to move an inch!

Lounges at AIA, in detail:

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airPort

SWISSPORT - Swissport Executive Lounge

The best way to begin your journey from the airport is with a visit to the Swissport Executive Lounge, which offers unparal-leled relaxation to every traveller before their flight. The Executive Lounge is oppo-site Departure Gate A11 (for Extra-Schengen destinations).

The 400 m2 area is made up of smaller rooms, including a fully equipped office sup-port centre with computers, fax machines, printers and fast, free Internet access. The lounge also includes a library, massage room and a separate smoking area.

In addition to the wide variety of cold snacks, coffees and alcoholic drinks, it is the only lounge which offers ice cream and a range of hot snacks.

The Executive Lounge welcomes travellers on some of the largest airlines, including Aegean, Continental, Cyprus, Delta, Emir-ates, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Swiss, Thai, and Tarom.

Lufthansa - Senator

The Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounge was the first lounge to be complet-ed at the brand-new Athens International Airport-Eleftherios Venizelos in February 2001. Dipl. Engineer Loeffler, a well-known architect from Munich, personally planned and supervised the project. Lufthansa of-fers excellent services to Frequent Flyers, Business Class and Senator Class passen-gers in 225 m2 of well-appointed space that includes PC desks with Internet access and wireless net, satellite TV, international press and delicacies. Passengers relax in a gallery-like atmosphere, since the lounge has been turned into an art gallery display-ing frequently changed works by Greek artists. Lufthansa is currently investing 150 million euros in upgrading its lounges around the world and the Athens lounge is included in the plans.

Lounge features:

• Office units

• Fax machine

• Credit card phone

• Dataports for laptops

• TV

• Local magazines and newspapers

• International magazines and newspapers

• German magazines and newspapers

ALITALIA – Donatello

For the most enjoyable wait for your flight, you are invited to use the Alitalia VIP Loung-es in Athens, Rome, Milan, other locations in Italy and abroad. The lounge is located opposite Gate B15 in the Transit room on the Departures level, with easy access to all boarding gates. You will also find the same style and atmosphere abroad. Elegant and comfortable surroundings equipped with computers, fax machines, photocopiers and telephones for those who need to work even while they are waiting for their flight

Goldair Handling

The perfect way to start your trip. Arrive before your flight and really relax while waiting in an executive VIP lounge. The luxuriously furnished lounge opposite De-parture Gate B13 for passengers waiting to board their flight offers a welcome recep-tion desk, departure information for all flights and a business area with free Inter-net access. A fast-track lane through secu-rity control is accessible for easy boarding. In a relaxed atmosphere with a panoramic view of the Spata countryside the lounge offers: • Departure information for all flights • Business area with free Internet access • Smoking/non smoking sections • Inter-national and local newspapers and maga-zines • Tea and coffee • Free soft drinks • Free alcoholic beverages • Assorted snacks and sandwiches • A relaxed atmosphere with a panoramic view of the Spata coun-tryside • Safe storage lockers • Satellite TV.

Olympic Airlines Aristotelis Onassis & Melina Mercouri Lufthansa - Senator British Airways - Terraces

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HOTELGRANDE BRETAGNE

Located at the heart of Athens’ his-toric centre and with spectacular views of the Acropolis, the house of Parliament is just across Con-stitution (Syntagma) Square, and the Acropolis, museums, cafes, restaurants, exclusive shops and the business district are an easy walk away. All rooms have inter-net access, voicemail, minibars, safes, CD/stereo players, satellite TV, deluxe bath accoutrements,

bathrobes and slippers, while wheelchair accessible rooms are also available, as is babysitting. A A hair salon, newsagent and busi-ness centre are all located on the premises.The prestigious hotel Grande Bretagne re-opened on March 17, 2003, after a USD $100 million res-toration. The restoration followed the signing of a new management contract between the Lampsa

Few hotels in the world can lay claim to being a des-

tination in itself. The Grande Bretagne in Athens,

however, is such an address. Since its 19th-century

establishment, the Grande Bretagne has been the

only choice for royalty, heads of state, celebrities

and VIPs, a distinction which still holds true today.

Churchill, Onassis, the Kennedys, Maria Callas,

Elizabeth Taylor, Jacques Chirac and many more

personalities have stayed at the 160-year-old land-

mark that has played a legendary role in the city’s

social and political life. Its salons have seen treaty-

signing politicians, deal-making industrialists and

matchmaking socialites, the building even serving

as the one-time government headquarters.

HotElS

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Greek hotel Company, a public company that has owned the Hotel Grande Bretagne since 1874, and Starwood Hotels & Re-sorts worldwide, Inc. The hotel Grande Bretagne now oper-ates under “The Luxury Collection” brand.

The hotel Grande Bretagne boasts 321 rooms and suites offer-ing spectacular views of Athens. Its interior, designed by ar-chitects of the internationally renowned American company hirsch, Bedner & Associates, combines state-of-the-art tech-nology with luxurious comfort. In addition to the new rooms the hotel features new luxury areas, such as the Grand Ball-room and the Golden Room, dedicated to celebrations, events and conferences. The hotel’s numerous restaurants and bars conjure up an atmosphere of distinct elegance.

The hotel’s deluxe suites have their own unique styles with adjoining suites, salons and steam baths. The 400 m2 (4,300-square-foot) Royal Suite includes a 16-seat dining-room, fire-place, sauna, gym and soaking tub, and the 200 m2 (2,150-square-foot) Presidential Suite has a special built-in, two-sided plasma television, steam bath and walk-in closets. The hotels exclusive Butler service guarantees that guests’ wishes are re-sponded to immediately.

A 1,140 m2 (12,270-square-foot) impressive SPA and wellness center with an indoor pool, rooms for beauty and relaxation treatments, as well as a brand-new fitness center featuring the latest sports equipment, have also been introduced as part of the refurbishment. The highlight is the rooftop swim-ming pool with a sun deck and a pool bar with a wonderful view of the city and the Acropolis.

Dining and Entertainment

The hotel Grande Bretagne showcases some of the region’s finest cuisine, in a variety of sophisticated surroundings. From the magnificent wine cellar to the spectacular rooftop restau-rant – experience the best of Athens at this grand hotel.

GB Corner: The property’s signature restaurant is an authentic brasserie with an unrivalled atmosphere and the finest French – Mediterranean cuisine.

GB Roof Garden: Unparalleled in the capital, this magnifi-cent roof-top restaurant with contemporary design provides breathtaking city views. The menu offers an array of memo-rable Mediterranean choices.

winter Garden: A tranquil oasis in the center of Athens, the elegant winter Garden serves tasteful selections, especially for brunch and high tea, meeting the highest gourmet de-mands.

Alexander’s Bar: Voted the best hotel bar in the world for 2004, Alexander’s Bar is a superb cocktail bar, reflecting the excitement and enthusiasm of this buzzing Greek capital.

Pool Bar: Located on the 7th Floor, the Pool Bar offers mag-nificent views of Lycabettus hill and an illuminated Athens below.

Atrium: After a high energy workout or a relaxing body treat-ment in the GB Spa, ease back into real life in the beautifully tranquil Atrium.

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HotElS

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Info:

TransportationThe hotel is located 27 kilometers or a 45-minute drive from the Athens Inter-national Airport – Eleftherios Venize-los. From the Airport take line 3 (Blue line) and alight at “Syntagma” station. The “Syntagma” metro station is situ-ated opposite the hotel entrance.

Meeting/Function FacilitiesThe hotel’s banqueting rooms provide the ideal venue for any kind of event. The elegantly appointed conference and banqueting rooms host from be-tween 10 to 800 people.

Accommodation

Total number of guest rooms: 321

Description of Rooms: All renovated – luxurious fabrics, restored antiques and the latest high tech facilities per-sonalize the hotel’s 321 rooms and suites. Guests residing in suites will en-joy the hotel’s exclusive Butler Service to fulfill each and every wish.

Guest Room Facilities: Exceptional Views, Bathrobes and Slippers, Deluxe Bath Amenities, Marble Bathrooms, wood-Paneled wardrobes, In-Room Safes, Mini-Bar, Non-Smoking Rooms, Cable Television, CD player, Voice Mail. Check-out time: 12:00 hrs

Guest Services/Facilities24-Hour Concierge DeskButler Service (Suites)Butler Floor 24-Hour In-Room DiningBusiness Center/ServicesExtensive SPA FacilitiesFitness CenterIndoor and Outdoor Pool Daily NewspaperNightly TurndownCar Rental and LimousinesLaundry/Dry Cleaning ServiceBabysitting Services

A 1,140 m2 (12,270-square-foot) impressive SPA and wellness

center with an indoor pool, rooms for beauty and relaxation

treatments, as well as a brand-new fitness center featuring the

latest sports equipment, have also been introduced as part of

the refurbishment. The high-light is the rooftop swimming

pool with a sun deck and a pool bar with a wonderful view of

the city and the Acropolis.

HotElS

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Andy Cooper is the ABTA Head of

Development and Director General

of the Federation of Tour Operators

AN INTERVIEW WITHANDY COOPER

how is European tourism coping with the econom-ic crisis and how does it function within it?

It is too early to tell whether the economic crisis will have a significant impact on European tour-ism. The crisis effectively started at the tail end of the Summer 2008 season, and we will not really be able to form an opinion until we hit a peak book-ing or travel period. It is true to say that there are a number of different market segments, and it is likely that the economic situation will affect those segments in different ways. Looking at the UK out-bound market, we would say that the leisure sector can be divided into 3 different groupings: tradition-al holidays, short breaks and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR). It is likely that the short break and VFR markets will be more immediately impacted by economic difficulties, as many of these breaks can be sacrificed, at least in the short term. The VFR market will quickly pick up again when consumers have money available, but the short break market may be affected for longer. we believe that most-customers will still take their main annual holiday, as this has become a social norm. They may choose to downgrade, by booking a lower standard of ac-commodation or by staying for shorter periods, and they may well book significantly later, but they will still travel. Consumers will be looking for value for money, and British consumers will also be im-pacted by the weakness of Sterling, particularly against the Euro.

The key to survival and long term success is to recognise the

challenge, plan the business accordingly, and recognise the

importance of quality and value for money.

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how do you see the developments regarding business travel and the conferences and corporate meetings and incentives market?

There is no doubt that business travel will decline slightly during any global recession, and we are already seeing ev-idence of that from the reported load factors of the major European airlines in the past quarter. however, ultimately the only way to move out of a recession is for trade to in-crease, and with trade comes travel. There may therefore be a short term reduction in business travel, but it will undoubtedly return. we do however believe that all those in the business travel sector from travel agents to airlines to hoteliers need to expect short term pain, and therefore need to adjust their business plans accordingly. The big-gest challenge will be to ensure that the short term lasts for as short a time as possible. This is equally, and prob-ably more true of the MICE market. Conferences and in-centives are a relatively high cost for many businesses, and an area in which they will no doubt be looking to make savings. we would therefore anticipate a downturn in this market amongst many businesses over the short to medium term.

According to the information available to date, Greek tourism shows remarkable resistance to the develop-ments in the international tourism market. what image do you have of the future of Greek tourism?

It is true to say that Greece has remained loyal to its tra-ditional tourism product, and whilst there have been some new developments in the Greek islands, there have been relatively few. This is fine, provided that there is a continuing investment in product quality and service. we are concerned that there are new destination devel-opments in areas like Egypt and Turkey which offer out-standing value for money as well as high levels of service, and these are increasingly strong competitors to Greek tourism. Greece does have a unique charm, and should capitalise on that, but needs also to recognise the im-portance of product quality and service and ensure that customers perceive that they are getting these. If this does not occur, then Greek tourism will have challenges in the future.

have you visited Athens recently? If yes, what were your impressions of our city? what do you believe are the strong points for Athens as a city break and conference destination?

I have been to Athens twice in 2008. The improvements in transportation brought about by the development of the metro cannot be understated, as it has become sig-nificantly easier to travel round the city, and this has, for me, opened up Athens, making it a very convenient loca-tion for a city break. There is an interesting convergence of a modern city with a fascinating history, and this means that it works extremely well as a city break destination. The challenge in the UK market revolves around the dis-tance from the UK, and therefore the availability of flights to Athens. Customers travelling from London and the South East of the UK have the opportunity of travelling with EasyJet as an alternative to Olympic, but that op-tion is not available for the rest of the UK. In the current climate, prices will continue to be an issue, but this may change in the medium term. Continuing improvements to transportation within the city would be the biggest single factor which would help to increase sales of Ath-ens as a conference destination. In summary, 2009 will undoubtedly be a challenging year for the travel industry, whatever sector a business is operating in. The key to sur-vival and long term success is to recognise the challenge, plan the business accordingly, and recognise the impor-tance of quality and value for money.

iNtErViEW

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THE MUSEUM OFCYCLADIC ART

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The Museum of Cycladic Art has been housed in its present building at 4,

Neofitou Douka St since 1986. The history, however, of the N. P Goulandris

collection begins in 1961 when Nicholas and Katerina Goulandris began col-

lecting ancient Greek artefacts, mainly art, as an enjoyable pastime

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MUSEUMS

Their interest, however, soon began to focus on a specific category of artifacts from the Cyclades, and they gradually began to put together a significant collection of marble figurines and other implements from the Cycladic civilisation.

In 1985, after the sudden death of Nicholas Goulandris, Katerina Gou-landris donated the internationally recognised Private Collection of Cy-cladic and Ancient Greek Art, which comprises the permanent collection of the Museum of Cycladic Art, to the

Museum Foundation. Since that time the collection has been constantly enriched, either through purchases made by the President of the Founda-tion or through donations.

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During the first five years of its life, the Museum of Cycladic Art was constantly expanding its activities: Educational programmes, regular exhibitions, publications, semi-nars and cultural displays. In addi-tion, visitors, friends, sponsors and benefactors took an active interest in the museum. The museum grew and the space available was no lon-ger able to contain all the ideas and plans of its people.In 1991, following petitions made by the Foundation, use of the Stathatos Mansion, the historic neo-classical building at the junc-tion of Irodotou St and Vas Sofias Avenue, was conceded to the Mu-seum of Cycladic Art, since which time it has comprised the New wing of the Museum.

Permanent Collections:

Cycladic Art: Cycladic culture flour-ished on the islands of the central Aegean during the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC). The MCA collection is one of the most com-prehensive collections of Cycladic antiquities worldwide, comprising an astonishing variety of marble fig-urines and vessels, bronze tools and weapons, as well as pottery from all phases of the Early Cycladic period.

Ancient Greek Art: The birth of Greek art in the protohistoric Ae-gean, the development of Classical culture and its gradual dissemina-tion all over the Mediterranean ba-sin constitutes one of the most in-fluential phenomena in the history of western civilization. The MCA holds a large collection of Ancient Greek Art with representative arti-facts from all periods between the Middle Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC) to the very end of the Roman period (4th c. AD).

Cypriot Culture: The Cypriot col-lection in the MCA (Th.N. Zintilis collection) is one of the most com-prehensive collections of Cypriot antiquities in the world. It contains more than 800 objects that help visitors learn about the history of the island and its relations with other regions of the eastern Medi-terranean from the 4th millennium BC to the Early Christian period (6th c. AD).

Info Public holidays (museum is closed): 1 January, 6 January, Shrove Mon-day, 25 March, Good Friday, Eas-ter Monday, 1 May, whit Monday, 15 August, 28 October, 25 December, 26 December Admission Standard entrance fee (except for Monday) € 7 Reduced entrance fees - seniors (over 65) € 3,5 - 19-26 years old € 2,5 - groups of 15 or more € 5 (each) Monday entrance fee € 3,5 Free admission - kids and young persons under 18 - visitors with disabilities and their

companion - members of the MCA - archaeologists - archaeology and art history stu-

dents - members of ICOM - ICOMOS - journalists - qualified guides - teachers accompanying school-

classes participating in education-al programmes

- parents accompanying their kids for the Saturday’s programme

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MUSEUMS

EntranceThere are two entrances to the MCA:

Main Building (Permanent Collections) 4 Neophytou Douka st.

Stathatos Mansion (Temporary exhibitions)Vasilissis Sophias Ave and 1 Irodotou St. There is an internal connection be-tween the buildings. Fee includes same day admission to both wings. There is no extra charge for entrance to temporary exhibitions, unless stated otherwise.

AddressMain Building4, Neophytou Douka str. The Stathatos MansionVasilissis Sofias ave. & 1, Irodotou st.

ContactTelephone: (+30) 210 7228321-3Fax: (+30) 210 7239382E-mail: [email protected]

Public transport

MetroLine 3: stations Evangelismos, Syntagma. Line 2: station Syntagma

Buses Α5, Ε6, Ε7, Χ14, 054, 200, 203, 204, 220, 221, 224, 235, 408, 608, 622, 732, 815Trolley-buses 3, 7, 13

Disabled persons Access for disabled persons is via a wheelchair ramp at the entrance to the Main Building, at 4 Neophytou Douka str. Access to the floors is by elevator.

MCA ShopThe MCA Shop is located on the ground floor and in the basement of the Main Building, at 4 Neophytou Douka str. It is open to visitors to the museum as well as to persons just wishing to pur-chase a gift or a book. These customers are kindly advised to inform the ticket desk at the entrance.

Opening hours: As for the museumContact telephone: (+30) 210 7228321-3E-mail: [email protected] Method of payment: cash, cheques, credit cardsE-shopping: by credit card, at the MCA on-line shop

MCA CaféThe MCA Cafe is located in the muse-um atrium, on the ground floor of the Main Building, at 4 Neophytou Douka str. The café is open to museum visi-tors as well as to non-visitors wishing to take a break in pleasant surround-ings in the centre of Athens. These cus-tomers are kindly advised to inform the ticket desk at the entrance.Opening hours: As for the museumTelephone for Reservations: (+30) 210 7228321-3

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MEDIA ExPERTSFROM 100 COUNTRIES

IN ATHENS

On 7 December 2008, the President of the hellenic Republic, Dr. Karolos Papoulias, will open the four day Athens world Conference of the 2nd Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) at Divani Caravel hotel. This is an exclusive event with more than 500 high-level media experts, journalists, editors, intellectuals and politicians from over 100 countries. The world Conference in Athens will offer these people the opportunity to further their aspirations for a free, independent, viable and inclusive media, fundamentals for forming and strengthening demo-cratic society and human development, and to promote the free global move-ment of information.

The GFMD 2008 builds on the work of the first Global Forum for Media aid orga-nizations in Amman, Jordan, in October 2005. Over 400 participants attended the first Forum, and agreed to a set of principles that form the basis of the work of the GFMD. This 2nd Global Forum is part of the 60th anniversary of the Uni-versal Declaration of human Rights, a one year-long United Nations celebra-tion that will end on 10 December, the final day of the Athens Conference.

Key speakers, such as Nobel-Prize win-ner Orhan Pamuk and Mary Robinson – member of The Elders, Former UN high Commissioner for human Rights, For-mer President of Ireland, and eminent representatives from the UN, UNESCO and the world Bank – will join senior me-dia executives and key ambassadors

Global Forum for Media Development to Hold a Major

Conference in Athens, 7-10 December 2008

UPcoMiNG coNFErENcES

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They will also present new and in-novative ideas for ensuring the sus-tainability of independent media and media development goals and aim to develop common strategies to make sure that free, independent and viable media are at the core of development programmes.

The need for independent media sup-port has never been greater, espe-cially when the media are permitted to highlight policy problems and pres-ent information on social issues that require government awareness, and when the recognition of the positive impact of independent media on sus-tainable growth is rapidly increasing.

As a result of the rapid progression of globalization and the growing de-mand from societies and social levels across the world to ensure quality of information, quality of democracy and respect for human rights, the fo-cal point of this year’s conference is “Quality Information for All”. A range of key issues and objectives will be discussed in order to develop unam-biguous and viable strategies for the media development community.

The conference will allow leading me-dia NGOs to present their work and give them the opportunity to come together with a vast array of inter-national organizations that support media development work. The efforts of media assistance organizations to strengthen the media at local, re-gional, and international levels around the world is imperative in rising to the challenges that threaten free media today.

Throughout the conference, the GFMD will organize a supporters’ meeting, encouraging all institutions active in the field to present and dis-cuss the conclusions of the forum in

six thematic areas. The meeting will also highlight other international net-works such as the international jour-nalism school network. Furthermore, GFMD will hold a members’ session to reach a decision on GFMD statutes, confirm regional representatives to the Steering Committee and nomi-nate international representatives.

The recommended Committee will comprise of four international mem-bers and two members each from Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America/the Caribbean, and the Middle East/North Africa. The statutes will estab-lish the working rules and governance structure and emphasize GFMD’s net-work structure.

The Program Themes, Sessions and Invited Speakers

The conference will begin with the opening session by David hoffman, Chairman of Internews Network and Chairman of Global Forum, present-ing the subject of Media Development on Media Development 2008 – the View Ahead. There will be 13 sessions during the four days of conference, from 7 to 10 December, where more than sixty prominent international media experts, journalists, editors, intellectuals and politicians will pres-ent and discuss another five thematic themes: New Opportunities, New Markets; At the Cutting Edge of Me-dia Development; Media, a Key Role in human Development; Journalism 2020: Quality is Key; and Facing Glob-al Challenges.

Among the specially-invited speakers are: Chris Kramer, CNN International; Richard Sambrook, head of News, BBC; Jo weir, Reuters; Dora Bakoyan-nis, Greek Foreign Minister; Tom Cur-ley, Chief Executive Officer, Associat-ed Press; Daniel Kaufmann, Director

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UPcoMiNG coNFErENcES

Global Programs and Governance, world Bank; Peter Eigert, Director of Transpar-ency International; william Orme, head of Media Section, UNDP; Aidan white, General Secretary, International Fed-eration of Journalists; Ambeyi Ligabo, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression; Mogens Schmidt, Deputy Assistant Director General, UNESCO; and Bettina Peters, Director, GFMD.

Conference Topics

Advocacy strategies: how can the me-dia development community make the case for placing media freedom at the heart of the development agen-da? what are the most effective ap-proaches to highlighting the impact of independent media on democracy and development goals?

Enabling media environments: what types of legal structures are necessary to ensure that the media can play a part in democratic development? In reference to closed media systems, what types of media development programmes can help open up restric-tive media systems? Participants will develop common strategies by build-ing on existing indices and qualitative studies.

Building respect for freedom of the media through a dialogue with civil society: how can the media be inclu-sive and accessible to marginalized groups? how do the media and civil society interact? what is necessary to help civil society understand and sup-port media freedom?

New technologies, opportunities and markets: Participants will analyze ini-tiatives that use new technologies to provide better information services to the poor. Discussions will also examine business models that use new technol-ogies, especially in poorer countries.

how can investors be involved? what are the strategies for building new types of media?

Media and governance - Measuring success: The focus is on developing indicators for measuring the impact of media development programmes on democratic governance over time in a given country. Discussion will also explore possible ways to collabo-rate on governance issues with other transnational networks, such as the Global Network for Local Governance, and international institutions such as the world Bank and Transparency In-ternational.

Monitoring and evaluation: Building on existing studies and indices, this session will examine the types of in-struments and resources necessary to effectively measure media develop-ment programming, such as the cre-ation of a toolbox of indicators that can be used by local media develop-ment organizations.

About GFMD

The Global Forum for Media Develop-ment (GFMD) is a practitioner-led pro-cess designed to be long term and open to the community, which is involved in media development around the world. It comprises of a network of roughly 500 non-governmental media assistance or-ganizations operating in approximately 100 countries worldwide, supporting the development of independent media at community, national and regional levels.

GFMD’s members range from organiza-tions with worldwide reach, the BBC world Trust, Internews Network for in-stance, to national organizations, such as Media Rights Agenda in Nigeria or the Environmental Education Media Project in China.

Through collaboration, substantiation, professionalization and shared learn-ing, the GFMD seeks to bring greater connections and sustainable impact to the work of the media development sec-tor as a whole.

GFMD aims to make media assistance a sector in its own right, as media as-sistance is too often relegated to com-municating development goals and the intention is to make media develop-ment an integral part of overall develop-ment strategies, just like education or health. Free expression, media freedom and independent journalism, as defined by internationally accepted documents such as the UNESCO windhoek Decla-ration, are the fundamental values of the GFMD and it believes that free, inde-pendent, viable and inclusive media are prerequisites for creating and strength-ening democratic society and human development.

A major aim of the GFMD is to ensure that media assistance organisations from Asia, Africa, the Middle East/North Africa and Latin America are fully in-volved in the debate on media develop-ment strategies, defining objectives and analyzing impact of media assistance programs.

The IACC is organized by AC&C Professional Congress Organiser.

Conference Venue

Ideally situated in the heart of Athens, the fully renovated Divani Caravel luxury hotel, member of the Leading hotels of the World, offers 4,000 m2 of state-of-the-art equipped, multifunctional and soundproof meeting space that can ac-commodate up to 2000 persons, and the spacious banqueting foyer, blending refinement and elegance with avant-garde, presenting an impressive setting for delegate registration, exhibitions and refreshment breaks. 39

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A MODERN LANDMARk FOR PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS

ETHNIkI CONFERENCE CENTRE:

what could be better than staying in a world

class hotel located right next-door to the

newest Conference Center in Athens? The

adjacent cutting edge Conference Centre be-

longing to the Ethniki Insurance Company, is

now exclusively managed by the Athenaeum

InterContinental Athens, the leader in the

field of conferencing and hospitality within

Greece. This unique and dynamic partnership

ensures every professional and social event is

sealed with success. with 1700 square meters

of unique architectural vision, studied and

designed by world renowned architect Mario

Botta, the Ethniki Conference Centre is set to

impress everyone with its aesthetics, its func-

tionality and its technological infrastructure.

World Class Conference Hall

The use of geometry and the interplay of light

intensify the enhanced aesthetics of the Con-

ference hall. The exquisite acoustics and the

perfectly calculated partitions contribute to its

integral functionality. The modern technologi-

cal infrastructure and the highly experienced

personnel of the Athenaeum InterContinental

Athens ensure professional thoroughness. The

outcome: A Conference hall that is perfectly

suited for hosting highly demanding events.

Contemporary Exhibition Hall

Imposing, minimalist and flexible, the lobby of

the Ethniki Conference Centre is a high quality

Exhibition hall that showcases every exhibi-

tor’s product in a favourable light. when com-

bined, the Conference and the Exhibition hall

guarantee the ultimate choice of flexibility in

configuration.

Scenic Cityscape Rooftop

On the Rooftop of the main building, 1,500

unobstructed square meters of open-air floor

space with exquisite views of the Acropolis

and Lycabettous Mount provide the ideal set-

ting for prestigious and fashionable events.

Competitive Advantages of the

Ethniki Conference Center

The Ethniki Conference Center highly distin-

guished for its supreme aesthetics provides

some of the most spacious conference and

exhibition areas in Athens. Fully equipped

with the latest audiovisual equipment (incl. 3

translation booths) and with flexibility of use

(the Conference hall can be partitioned into

3 smaller areas), the new Conference Center

exceeds the needs of the most discerning or-

ganizers.

Its neutral design & innovative architecture is

ideal for organizers who desire to emphasize

on the branding of their event, enjoying at the

same time supreme levels of service according

to the standards of the Athenaeum InterCon-

tinental Athens, 24-hour security service and

underground parking of 550 spaces.

however, it is the Rooftop that differentiates

the Ethniki Conference Center from the rest of

the venues in Athens, since it is the only place

with a panoramic view of the city that hosts

successfully up to 1000 guests.

VENUES

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ATHENS TRAM

Restoration of the Tram

In 2004, Tram S.A started operating a brand new tram system in Athens, connecting the center of Athens with the southern suburbs.

The tram operates by using all the very latest technology and provides passengers with all the necessary comforts. It serves 9 suburbs in the south of Athens and has direct connections with public buses, the metro and the suburban railway service. There are 48 stations along the route and 3 of the stations are terminals. It covers a distance of 27 km in two directions. The terminal stations are located at Syntagma Square, S.E.F (at Neo Faliro) and Kolimvitirio (at Glyfada). The aver-age commercial speed is estimated to be about 24 kilometers per hour – one of the highest worldwide- and it carries roughly 65,000 passen-gers everyday.

Vehicles & Stations

The tramcars are designed by the Italian company Anslado in collo-baration with the famous designer of Ferrari, Sergio Pininfarina, one of the top designers worldwide in luxury vehicles.

The design focused on the following principles:

• General aesthetic characteristics

• Functionality, convenience, quality and ergonomical design of the interior of the tramcars

• Visibility and simple navigation by the driver

All the tramcars are air-conditioned and equipped with screens to pro-vide entertainment and informa-tion to passengers, with a musical radio program within cars and at stations. The stations are equipped with shelters, an audio and visual information system, information points (maps, etc) and arrivals and departures indicators. There is also easy access for people with special needs, since the cars are on the same level as the platform, which is in turn equipped with ramps.

The route

The Athens tram route is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The 27 ki-lometer ride runs parallel to the Sa-ronic Gulf, while another stretches across the historic center of Athens. In addition, the tram travels past numerous Olympic facilities, a reg-ular destination for international tourists.

Boarding from any of the coastal hotels or from the city centre, Greek and international visitors use the tram for their daytrips, heading to-wards tourist hot spots such as the nightclubs in the southern coastal strip or hip suburbs such as Glyfada or Nea Smyrni, equally popular for shopping or a dip in the blue waters of any of the local organized beach-es. Many passengers ride the tram for a pleasant means of getting about, sitting comfortably inside the wagons, or in order to visit some of the nearby historic or cultural sites, or even tovisit the garden cafe at Zappeion.

The tram not only serves the coastal marinas, but also significant sport and conference facilities, such as the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the former Fencing Centre and the Karaiskakis Football Stadium.

To conclude, through cooperation with tourist agencies, the tram of-fers the potential for private trans-fers and tours by prior arrange-ment. Boasting a total of 65,000 loyal passengers, a number that ris-es during the summer months, the tram dominates urban transporta-tion in southern Athens. Because the tram is not just a means of trav-elling from A to B, it is a philosophy in its own right.

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STATISTICS OF THE TRAM

65.000 passengers per day

27 km network

48 stations

20 hour service on week-days

24 hour service on Fridays and Saturdays

7, 5 – 10 min average waiting time

35 vehicles

96 vending ticket machines

254 seats for standing and seated passengers in each vehicle

2 seats for people with disabilities in each vehicle

2,450 trees en route

94,035 bushes en route

SYNTAGMA TRAM STATION

Grande Bretagne 5 star

hotel NVJ Athens Plaza 5 star

Best western Esperia Palace 4 star

Athens Electra Palace 5 star

Classical King George Palace 4 star

Amalia hotel 4 star

Electra 4 star

kASSOMOULI TRAM STATION

Atheneaum Intercontinental 5 star

Athens Ledra Marriot hotel 5 star

Athens Atrium 4 star

Metropolitan Chandris hotel 4 star

FIx TRAM STATION

Athenian Callirhoe hotel 5 star

LEOFOROS VOULIAGMENIS

Divani Palace Acropolis 5 star

Royal Olympic hotel 5 star

Airotel Parthenon 4 star

hera hotel 4 star

Ilissos hotel 4 star

EDEM TRAM STATION

Poseidon hotel 3 star

Coral hotel 4 star

kALAMAkI TRAM STATION

Galaxy hotel 2 star

LOUTRA ALIMOU

Tropical hotel 4 star

PARALIA GLYFADAS TRAM STATION

Emantina hotel 4 star

London hotel 3 star

Oasis hotel 4 star

PLATIA VERGOTI TRAM STATION

Best western Fenix hotel 4 star

PLATIA kATRAkI TRAM STATION

Congo Palace 4 star

kOLIMVITIRIO TRAM STATION

The John’s hotel 4 star

Brazil Suites 2 star

For further information on hotels, visit the ACB website www.athensconventionbureau.gr

For further information on the Athens Tram, visit the Tram website: www.tramsa.gr

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The 17th annual Global Forum ‘’Shaping the Future: Global

Converge 2.0, Integration & Innovation-Building a Collab-

orative Knowledge Society’’ was hosted for the first time in

Athens, Greece on 21 and 22 October by ITEMS International.

THE 17TH ANNUAL GLOBAL FORUM “SHAPING THE FUTURE”

The “Global Forum – Shaping the Future” is an annual, independent, international and invitation-only event dedicated to business and policy issues that affect the suc-cessful evolution of the Informa-tion Society.

It is a not-for-profit initiative of Items International and the So-phia Antipolis Foundation. Since it started in 1992, the Global Forum has brought together internation-al key players and experts from advanced economies - the USA, Canada, western Europe and Asia - and gradually more from develop-ing countries, including countries of the Mediterranean, countries improving their telecommunica-tions infrastructure, such as Rus-sia and Central and Eastern Euro-pean countries, and Mexico in the context of NAFTA.

The Global Forum provides a neu-tral platform for identifying repre-sentative trends, and discussing the most recent advances in the ICT sector and different points of views.

The expertise of its speakers – who are selected from the ICT indus-try, regulators and implementing agencies – proves the complexity of the ICT background and con-tributes to a solid current knowl-edge base.

As a prestigious and international think tank bringing together gov-ernment, business and civil so-ciety, the Global Forum acts as a catalyst for a wide range of com-munication functions.

It supports the creation of part-nerships between suppliers and users of communications applica-tions and helps to link useful appli-cations and pioneering ideas.

The Global Forum provides the best possible context for its par-ticipants to work together and create practical innovative solu-tions in partnership at official and unofficial face-to-face discussions during the event and afterwards by electronic networking.

Each year, the “Global Forum – Shaping the Future” succeeds in bringing together the differ-ent expertise of more than 300 high-profile delegates, including both industrial leaders and senior policy makers, from more than 40 countries.

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The warm and inspiring atmo-sphere of the Forum provides ex-cellent conditions for people to meet and to work together and to create new partnerships, col-laborations and other valuable contacts. The fact that many lead-ers stay beyond their speaking slots, listen attentively to others speakers, and participate actively in hallway conversations provides evidence that this concept is suc-cessful.

The mayor of Athens, Nikitas Kaklamanis, addressed the audi-ence with a message delivered by Konstantinos Giannatos, CEO of DAEM. “It is a great honour, as the mayor of Athens, to welcome you to our city for the Global Forum 2008. The word ‘metamorpho-sis’ is a Greek word. I believe that this is the appropriate word to describe what is going to happen in the next few days. Besides, this word does not only define change but it also defines innovation.” his message continued stating “Ath-ens is a city that is proud of its an-cient history. Over the following days you will see that Athens has every right to also be proud of the city’s recent achievements. This takes place because investment in new technologies is equivalent to investing in a better quality of life, in an optimistic digital economy providing the best possible ser-vices for our citizens.”

ABOUT THE VEnUE

The forum took place at Zappeion Megaron located in the centre of Athens.

Zappeion was used during the 1896 Summer Olympics as the main Fencing hall. A decade later, at the 1906 Summer Olympics, it was used as the Olympic Village.

A number of historical events have taken place at the Zappeion, including the signing of the docu-ments formalizing Greece’s acces-sion to the European Union on 1 January 1981, which took place in the building’s marble-clad main atrium.

Zappeion is currently being used as a Conference and Exhibition Centre for both public and private purposes. The building contains about 25 separate rooms that range in size from 97 m² to 984 m².

The Global Forum was organized by Items International.

After 16 years of networking, the Global Forum is today

much more than just another ICT-conference,

but a real networking event connecting practical

applications and innovative ideas, and – first and

foremost –people.

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Megaron Athens International Conference Centre

The 13th International Anti-Corruption Conference took place, at Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, between 31 October and 2 No-vember. Organized by Transparency International, the International Anti-Corruption Council and Transpar-ency International Greece, hosted by the Government of Greece and sup-ported by the Ministry of Justice, the conference brought together more than 1,500 participants from over 130 countries who acknowledged the vital role of transparency and ac-countability in justifying the current economic crisis.

Under the banner “Global Transparen-cy: Fighting corruption for a sustain-able future”, the 13th IACC featured prominent speakers such as: hRh Prince El hassan Bin Talal of Jordan; Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Managing Di-rector of the world Bank; Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Com-mission; Costas Karamanlis, Prime Minister of Greece; Irene Khan, Secre-tary General of Amnesty Internation-al; Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana; and George Papandreou, President of Socialist International and President of Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK).

The IACC, first held in 1983, has grown into the foremost international meeting on governance and anti-corruption. The conference promotes cooperation and innovation in devel-oping tools to bring an end to corrup-tion, a problem that continues to trap millions of people in a vicious cycle of poverty and threatens sustainable development. The conference brings together heads of state, academics, compliance experts, social organi-zations, business and government representatives, all of whom are en-gaged in innovative work to prevent and fight corruption in all its forms.

The conference looked into the role of corruption and governance in the social, political, environmental, and economic questions that define the quality of life for people across the globe, today and tomorrow.

The themes of the conference includ-ed:

• Peace and security;

• Corruption in the natural resourc-es and energy sectors (forestry, water, land, fishing and whaling, mining, oil and gas);

• Climate change and corruption;

• Sustainable globalization.

The 13th International Anti-Cor-

ruption Conference took place at

Megaron Athens International

Conference Centre, between 31

October and 2 November. Organized

by Transparency International,

the International Anti-Corruption

Council and Transparency Interna-

tional Greece, hosted by the Gov-

ernment of Greece and supported

by the Ministry of Justice, the con-

ference brought together more

than 1,500 participants from over

130 countries who acknowledged

the vital role of transparency and

accountability in justifying the

current economic crisis.

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The conference included 40 workshops (strategy sessions, training sessions and expert panel debates) whose top-ics were grouped under the conference themes.

Participants at the IACC explored ways to combat the many types of corruption that consistently undermine all aspects of sustainability and deepen global in-equalities: fostering conflict and vio-lence, distorting natural resource ex-ploitation, aggravating climate change and hampering our response to it.

The honourable Justice Barry O’Keefe, Chair of the IACC Council, stated that: “The objective of this conference is to re-invigorate anti-corruption work by generating new ideas, partnerships and propositions that can match the depth and complexity of corruption in the 21st century.”

huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparen-cy International, added: “The mission of the IACC, to find anti-corruption solu-tions through policy, trade and aware-ness, has never been more relevant for alleviating the poverty, alienation and conflict that corruption breeds. The challenges of transparency and ac-countability are immense, but so is the commitment and creativity of the anti-corruption community gathered here.”

Greek Prime Minister Costas Kara-manlis also addressed the conference. “International corruption constitutes a common enemy that we are obliged to combat with a persistent effort, both on a national and international level.”

The premier said that the deeper prob-lems of the real economy are now at the forefront, while warning that the world is facing a recession of unknown intensity and duration. “we are all re-sponsible for the grim reality the world is faced with today [...] and we need to deal with the real causes [of the reces-sion],” he stressed. In terms of Greece, Karamanlis said the country has passed from the stage of idleness to a gradual improvement in the international anti-corruption index.

Costas Bakouris, Chair of Transparency International Greece, stated: “A con-structive discussion about the grounds and ways of confronting corruption in the era of globalization is imperative. Raising social conscience and building a coalition of all valuable forces is the essential antidote to corruption. The International Anti-Corruption Confer-ence serves this purpose.”

Other speakers included Greek Justice Minister Sotiris hatzigakis, Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas and Ecu-menical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The IACC was organized by AC&C Professional Congress Organiser.

ABOUT THE VEnUE

The Megaron Athens International Conference Centre (Megaron AICC) is one of the finest and most technologically advanced conference venues in Europe. An integral part of the Athens Concert hall Organisation, whose facilities have been globally applauded since its opening in 1991, the international conference centre offers a stunning environment, exceptional aesthetics, cutting edge technology and unrivalled customer service. It is situated just minutes from the centre of Ath-ens, a vibrant and modern city. MAICC has a total of 143,000 square metres and a choice of 18 meeting spaces, combined with expansive exhibition and foyer areas totalling 12,000 square metres. The Centre’s total capacity is around 8,000 del-egates, with the largest meeting room accommodating close to 2,000. The main auditoria include: the hall of the Friends of Music (1,960 theatre style); the Alex-andra Trianti hall (1,500 theatre style); the Banqueting hall (650 circular-style theatre hall); the Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall (450 theatre style); and the Nikos Skalkotas hall (380 theatre style).

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50SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 255INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS

760UNIQUE SOCIAL EVENTS77.256PARTICIPANTS37.200ABSTRACT PAGES

17.800INVITED SPEAKERS210.000SQ. M EXHIBITION SPACE520MEDIA ACTIVITIES

4.000ACCREDITED JOURNALISTS100SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

01. ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT

02. PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS ORGANISER

03. EVENTS & DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

04. STRATEGY & COMMUNICATION

02_21X28_ADV_print.indd 1 2/2/09 11:08:02 AM

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EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

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cUltUrE

Winter this year in Athens will have a huge range of interesting stuff going

on, with a wider range of events than ever, coupled with a move away from

classical concerts and theatrical performances towards productions aimed at

just about everyone with a strong focus on jazz, pop, rock, dance and musicals.

WINTER CULTURALHIGHLIGHTS

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Cirque Eloize – Rain

This is the famed Cirque Eloize’s third production to be presented in Athens, and is certainly not only the circus troupe’s most ambitious to date but also its most mature work to date. Rain is the sixth production by this French-Canadian animal-free circus which has more than 3,000 perfor-mances in 300 cities in 30 countries worldwide under its belt. The direc-tor and brains behind the concept of Rain is Daniele Finzi Pasca who takes us spectators back to our childhood when we all splashed around in the muddy puddles of our neighbourhood with our friends without a care in the world. From 4 to 21 December at the Badminton Theatre.

Tiger Lillies – Freakshow

The Badminton Theatre will also host the well-known masters of theatri-cal spectaclelords of the spectacle, the Tiger Lillies, from 13 to 23 January with their new show, Freakshow: weird, enchanting, melancholic and fairytale-like, just like all shows from Martyn Jacques’s group.

Matthew Bourne – Edward Scis-sorhands

The Badminton Theatre will also host the latest work by British choreogra-pher, Matthew Bourne, for two weeks from 28 January. This is none other than his version of Tim Burton’s box office success: Edward Scissorhands.

Carla Bley

One of the grande dames of jazz and a pioneer of the free jazz movement, this year Carla Bley will present Christ-mas music in a new light. Accompa-nied by a great brass band (C. B. Brass) and with Steve Swallow as the leading pianist, she will present songs and carols from around the world in the Alexandra Trianti hall at the Athens Concert hall on 3 December.

Tricky

Tricky, the unpredictable artist of the trip-hop scene, is coming to Athens for the third time as part of his tour to present his new album Knowle west Boy. whoever has attended a concert by this British artist knows very well that the experience is unlike any other and this time will be no different.

TRICkY

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Anne Clarke

The mood changes completely on 19 December when an-other grande dame, this time from the electronic music scene, Anne Clarke, returns to Greece at Gargarin 205. It goes without saying that she will present her electronic poems Our Darkness, Abuse and Sleeper in the Metropolis, which the Athens crowd have adored from the 1980s right up to the present day.

Tindersticks

Tindersticks is one of those bands perfectly attuned to the rocker in every Greek and so far their relationship with Greece has been nothing but positive. They return after a nine-year interval to present the melancholic ballads from their new al-bum The hungry Saw. Badminton Theatre, 29 February.

The Jazz Masters – Manu Katche

As part of The Jazz Masters series, Manu Katche, one of the best known drummers who became famous via his collabo-

rations with rock artists like Sting and Peter Gabriel, will ap-pear at the Pallas Theatre on 8 December. Some of the most outstanding works he has released are those for the German label ECM, such as Playground and Neighbourhood.

Calexico – Carried To Dust

Calexico, the US band that blends desert rock with mariachi sounds, will hit Athens on 31 January with their new album, Carried to Dust.

Robert Bolle

One of the year’s most interesting performances will un-doubtedly be the one taking place on 25-26 November at Pallas Theatre by perhaps the world’s greatest dancer, Ro-berto Bolle, along with 12 soloists who are some of the lead-ing dancers in Europe and America. They will dance pieces by great choreographers such as Maurice Bejart, Roland Petit and Frederick Ashton, in a mix of different techniques and schools, producing a uniquely enchanting combination.

cUltUrE

ANNE CLARkE TIGER LILLIES

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No type of diet can offer a total guarantee. There is no secret to long

life or rule for physical beauty that must be strictly followed. However,

everyone agrees on certain things about the Mediterranean diet: it helps

you feel lighter and stronger without any sense of hunger.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Food

The Mediterranean diet has not been concocted by dieticians and nutri-tionists; it was not invented in some scientific lab. It has been chosen by people living in the fertile Mediterra-nean region, where the winter is mild, allowing many species of plants and trees to grow, and where the summer is just hot enough that plants do not actually burn. The Mediterranean diet is a way of life stretching back centu-ries; and today, luckily, the speed at which commercial products are deliv-ered allows food to be distributed so quickly that it does not lose the fresh-ness a consumer ‘on site’, as it were, would have. Moreover, the standardi-sation of olive oil, the main ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, allows this precious raw material to be widely distributed: an ingredient which can be married with any dish without fear of blocked arteries, without leaving that heavy sensation we have after consuming animal fat, while, at the same time, providing nutrients which other plant oils do not have.

The Mediterranean diet first began to be widely discussed by experts (doc-tors and nutritionists) in the 1960s, when it was initially observed that there were common dietary habits in the European part of the Mediter-ranean basin. Crete and Southern Italy were the first areas where the in-habitants were found to be in a good state of health. They had fewer heart problems, less fat, and fewer cases of cancer.

The results of the studies were dis-seminated but the Mediterranean diet became a dining room fad much later on. what sets it apart from oth-er cuisines is that there is unlimited freedom to combine foods, as well as countless recipes on offer (including nettle-pie and more than 100 ways to cook snails). Anything goes, as long as some rules about quantities are not infringed. Briefly, olive oil is used daily whereas red meat is not consumed more than once a week.

The foodstuffs can be found at any market, although the greatest diver-sity is to be found at source. when it comes to greens, there are so many that one could eat a different kind ev-ery day of the year. The Mediterranean diet also includes fruit, dairy products, pulses, vegetables, bread, virgin olive oil, nuts and fish. Plus a glass of red wine a day is a must!

The main ingredients you have to try are:

OLIVE OIL: There are many varieties and it is used for all sorts of things. The packaging must have a quality mark affixed to it. Extra virgin olive oil, which is most expensive, is used in salads. Depending on what you are cooking, there are options in terms of both quality and price, but that is real-ly a matter for those who have consid-erable experience and love for oil. Any olive oil can be used for any purpose.

CHEESE AnD YOGHURT: Yoghurt and cheese should be eaten every day. Every region of Greece produces its own type of cheese from sheep’s, goat’s or cow’s milk. The best known cheese is feta but another competitor is graviera (a type of gruyere).

BREAD AnD PASTA: Starchy foods should be eaten daily. It is traditional to serve bread at each meal, no mat-ter what dish is being served.

FRUIT, VEGETABLES: To be eaten every day: these are the basis of the Mediterranean diet.

EGGS, POULTRY, FISH, PULSES AND SWEETS: Each of these should be eaten once a week. here the prin-ciple of ‘moderation in all things’ goes. we should not deprive ourselves of anything but not go to extremes ei-ther.

RED MEAT: Once a week.

Once a week may seem little to you, but it is essential for the Mediter-ranean diet. The Greek Ministry of health has prepared a chart showing the quantities of foods which are com-patible with the rationale underlying the Mediterranean diet. All foods, as raw materials, are placed in a pyramid which shows recommended servings per day, week and month. Exercise is also recommended alongside the Mediterranean diet, but it doesn’t have to be exhausting exercise in the gym: walking a few kilometres a day is enough.

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“Technopolis” of the City of Athens provides: Access to the disabled, Coffee bar, 20 WC, nearby parking.

Operating hours: Weekdays and Weekends 10.00-22.00. (Operating hours may be modified without notice)

Access: Trolley: Line 21 (from Omonia Square),OASA Busses: 035, 049, 811, 815, 838, 914, B18, ?18, 731, 031.Train: Station “Thision”.Metro: Station "Keramikos".Contact:Technopolis City of Athens, 100 Piraeus Str., 11854 Gazi, AthensTel: 210-3461589 and 210-3467322, Fax: 210-3413228http://www.cityofathens.gr/dimotikoi-foreis/texnopolis-dimoy-athinaionMail: [email protected]

Technopolis hosted hundreds events from May 1999 to present such as:Visual Art - Photography - Technol-

ogy - Sculpture -Conferences - Seminars, International Festivals - Concerts - Theatrical and Dance

Events- Business Forums -Educational Programs -Product presentations

Concert Alkistis Protopsalti

Dance Festival

ARTS Exhibition Athens Video Art Festival

BABEL Comics Festival

Íikitaò Êaklamanis

CITY OF ATHENS

CITY OF ATHENS

CULTURE TO THE NEIGHBOURHOODS

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THE NEW FACE OF ATHENS ON THE WEB

www.athensconventionbureau.grwww.breathtakingathens.com

www.atedco.gr

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Athens is well known for always living up to its visitors' expectations regardless of their age and preferences. Athens has lots of proposals for family holidays, youth adventures and children's fun, whether you come with your family or on your own, whether you are young or not so. Find out more and plan a tailor-made holiday.

just click...

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www.breathtakingathens.comCITY OF ATHENS

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