Athens continues its dynamic rise on the global tourism map, earning two more major distinctions at the World Travel Awards 2025, one of the most recognized institutions in the international tourism industry.
The Greek capital was named the Worlds Leading Cultural City Destination and, for the first time globally, the Worlds Leading City Break Destination for 2025. The two awards were presented during a special ceremony held last Saturday (6/12) in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, where Athens was represented by the CEO of the Development Agency of the City of Athens, Ioannis Georgizas, along with agency officials.
On the occasion of these two important global distinctions, the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated:
Athens consistently proves that it can claim and achieve top positions on the global tourism map. Culture, openness and sustainable development are at the core of our strategy for a city that is open, vibrant and human-centered. These distinctions reflect the collective effort of the Municipality, the Athens Development Agency and all stakeholders working daily to enhance Athens image and visitor experience internationally.
The CEO of the Athens Development Agency, Ioannis Georgizas, who received the citys two awards, emphasized:
These awards confirm the strategy we are implementing at the Athens Development Agency through This is Athens and the citys Convention and Visitors Bureau, promoting internationally the modern, creative and sustainable identity of the city. We continue steadily to develop partnerships, design targeted promotional actions and strengthen Athens presence in key international markets.
2 + 2 Awards
The new global distinctions add to the two awards Athens received last October at the World Travel Awards 2025, where the city was named Europes Leading Cultural City Destination and Europes Leading City Tourist Board.
The consistent successes of recent years are the result of the long-term strategy of the Municipality of Athens and the Athens Development Agency to promote the city as a modern, competitive and sustainable destination. The Agency, through This is Athens the citys tourism brand as well as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, implements initiatives that highlight the cultural identity, authenticity and dynamism of the Greek capital.
Through major events such as the Athens City Festival with more than 300 cultural activities every May across the city, and This is Athens Agora, the citys annual leading tourism forum attended by major companies and organizations from around the world, Athens strengthens its outward focus with sustainability as a guiding principle.
The two new distinctions for 2025 further enhance the international footprint of the Greek capital and confirm its upward trajectory as a destination of culture, experiences and high-level hospitality.
The initiative was implemented under the Action Activities for the promotion, enhancement and marketing of tourism in the Municipality of Athens / Sub-project 1, which is part of the Attica 20212027 Program, OPS 6018475, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
