The 2nd Annual Orancon Travel Forum, held at the Athens Marriott Hotel from February 28th to March 1st, 2025, was a resounding success, drawing approximately 200 attendees from across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Despite some challenges, including disruptions caused by the Pan-Hellenic strike, protests in the heart of Athens, and the long weekend of Clean Monday, the forum achieved its goal of fostering meaningful dialogue and networking opportunities for professionals in the travel industry.
Orancon Travel Forum 2025 Highlights
Under the Auspices of HATTA and GNTO
The event, held under the auspices of the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA) and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and key players in the global tourism landscape. It provided an essential platform for discussing critical issues impacting the industry, such as climate change and the future of cruising, while also providing a space for business networking through meetings like the 1st Spiti World Network Meeting and the 4th Annual BBT Shorex Network Meeting.
Important Keynote Addresses and Warm Welcomes
The forum kicked off with greetings and opening remarks from various distinguished figures in the industry, including:
- Nikolaos Kelaiditis, President of HATTA
- Konstantinos Prahalis, President of the Tourist Bus Association of Piraeus & Islands
- Athanasios Michelongonas, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of the Peloponnese
- Athanasios Kousathanas-Megas, President of the Mykonos Port Authority
- Leyla Osorio, CEO of Global Cruises
- Vedat Ugurlu, President of Miray International / Miray Cruises LLC
- Murtaza Kalender, Founder & CEO of Travelshop
- Carlo Terracciano, Founder and Owner of ViaggiOggi
- Andreas Loverdos, President of the political party “Democrates”, Former Member of Parliament, and Minister
Orancon Travel Forum 2025 Highlights
Awards and Recognitions
In a touching ceremony, the forum recognized outstanding contributions to the travel industry. Kostas Galanopoulos was awarded the title of Honorary President of the Orancon Group for Life, while Global Cruises was recognized as the Best Partner of 2024.
The Forum Moderator and Live Streaming
The event was expertly moderated by renowned journalist Giorgos Likouropoulos, who guided discussions throughout the forum. Additionally, the forum was streamed live, allowing industry professionals from around the world to participate virtually. The full live broadcast can be viewed here: Orancon Travel Forum 2025 Live Stream.
Panels and Key Speakers: Addressing Climate Change and Cruising
One of the central highlights of the forum was the panel on The Impact of Climate Change on the Tourism Industry Worldwide, which brought together a range of distinguished experts who provided valuable insights into how climate change is affecting the travel and tourism industry, and what strategies can be adopted to mitigate its impact:
- Nikolaos Kelaiditis, President of HATTA
- Andreas Papatheodorou, Professor of Industrial and Spatial Economics
- Panagiotis Nastos, President of the Hellenic Meteorological Society
- Carlo Terracciano, Founder and Owner of ViaggiOggi
- Murtaza Kalender, Founder & CEO of Travelshop
The panel on The Future of Cruising in the Mediterranean Basin was another major draw, with discussions centered on the future of the cruise industry, innovations in cruising, and how companies can improve guest experiences. Panelists included:
- Guillermo Montoya, Managing Director of Global Cruises
- Petra Ivanković, Elite Travel Tour Agency – Cruise Department Director
- Vedat Ugurlu, President of Miray International / Miray Cruises LLC
- Athanasios Kousathanas-Megas, President of Mykonos Port Authority
- Giorgos Palliouras, CEO of Cruise Plan
Special Presentations and New Announcements
A major highlight of the forum was Global Cruises’ showcase during the 4th Annual BBT Shorex Network Meeting. The company unveiled several new initiatives designed to enhance the cruising experience for both operators and guests:
- Shorex Desk App Launch: A new platform that streamlines shore excursion operations and improves guest experience.
- Interactive Workshop: A hands-on session to boost service delivery and communication skills for industry professionals.
- GC Meetings Introduction: A new learning initiative designed to support career development in the cruising industry.
- Tour Essence Updates: Presenting the latest innovations in tour operations for optimized guest experiences.
- Corporate Announcements: A range of strategic updates on the company’s future direction and initiatives.
Conclusion: A Strong Start to 2025
The 2nd Annual Orancon Travel Forum not only served as a platform for discussions on critical topics like climate change and the future of cruising, but it also offered valuable networking opportunities and new industry insights. Despite the challenges faced in Athens during the event, the forum proved to be a significant milestone for professionals in the tourism sector, further solidifying its position as a leading event in the travel industry’s calendar. With successful outcomes and new initiatives, the forum has set a high standard for future events in the coming years.
