Against the backdrop of Hippocrates’ legacy and philosophy, the 11th fvw Workshop Greece was successfully held on the island of Kos from October 15 to 19, 2025, one of the most significant events in the German-speaking tourism market in Europe.
This year’s conference focused on well-being and sustainability inspired by the philosophy of Hippocrates. It was organized by fvw, the leading German-language tourism media outlet, in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the Region of South Aegean, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, and the Kos Hoteliers Association.
The Grecotel LuxMe Kos hosted both the accommodation and the conference, with Aegean Airlines as the official transport sponsor. Golden sponsors included Koullias Hotels and the Mitsis Group, while key supporters were Fraport, Python Tours, TUI, KOAN – Municipality of Kos, the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, the Municipalities of Nisyros and Kalymnos, Travel Exchange, 3FullSteps, Ktima Akrani, Cretan Holidays, Destination Touristik Services (DERTOUR), Coral Travel, and the Association of Licensed Tourist Guides of the Dodecanese.
Focus on New Trends and Sustainability
During the main conference day, October 17, discussions centered on market trends with emphasis on family and group travel, off-season opportunities, and the enrichment of destination portfolios with experiences that bring visitors closer to island life, local people, gastronomy, traditions, and a deeper understanding of Greek culture.
Speakers also addressed post-pandemic pricing policies, the rapid growth in travel demand, and the rise in airline and hotel prices, which have created new needs in the market. Given the current economic situation in Europe, participants stressed the importance of catering to the middle-class traveler, by offering quality four-star renovated hotels and upgrading lower-category properties with strong family-friendly services — a process requiring state support.
It was also noted that July and August have reached the highest price levels consumers are willing to pay, while June, September, and October now show strong demand, excellent weather conditions, and potential for higher pricing.
Key Participants and Speakers
The conference was attended and addressed by Nikoleta Lekanidou, Director of GNTO Germany, who presented GNTO’s strategic plan, and Chara Prokaki. Konstantina Svynou, Prefect of Kos-Nisyros, presented the strategy of the South Aegean Region, while Theodosis Nikitaras, Mayor of Kos, also gave a greeting.
Among the participants were Nikos Sofos, Director of KOAN, Kalliopi Koutouzi, Deputy Mayor of Kalymnos, hoteliers, general managers, tourism professionals, and German tour operators. The event was moderated by Klaus Hildebrandt, Editor-in-Chief of fvw, and project-managed by Ada Karagianni of Praxis Plus.
Speakers included:
Vangelis Vasileiou, Sales Manager Central Europe, Grecotel Hotels & Resorts
Konstantina Svynou, Prefect of Kos-Nisyros
Eleni Bassi, General Manager, Koullias Hotels
Michalis Trikoilis, travel agent specializing in experiential programs
Ada Karagianni, Praxis Plus, who discussed the transformation of Kos into a well-being destination rooted in Hippocratic philosophy and sustainability
From the German market, participants and panelists discussing market trends and 2026 plans included:
Oliver Grosse-Kleiman (Alltours, Director Contracting Greece & Longhaul),
Robin Brückner (TUI Group, Head of Product Greece & Cyprus),
Reinhard Stadlober (Dertour Group, Head of Contracting Greece & Cyprus),
Hicabi Ayhan (Coral/Ferien Touristik, Director Product Management),
Lars Ludwig (LMX, CEO),
Christian Payr (Vtours, Director Product Management),
Peter Strub (Studiosus, COO), and
Detlev Geiser, who presented Aegean Airlines’ plans for the German market.
Experiential Activities in Nisyros and Kalymnos
The familiarization program allowed tour operators to explore the Kos–Nisyros–Kalymnos island triangle through authentic cultural, natural, and gastronomic experiences.
In Nisyros, participants walked on the active volcano, tasted local cuisine in Emporios, and learned about the island’s inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, presented by Vangelis Tasioulas, President of DIKEN and Director of the Geopark.
In Kalymnos, they attended the International Climbing Festival, discovered the island’s sponge-diving heritage, and experienced the authentic spirit of the island.
From the Hippocratic Oath to Kos’ Wine Sunset
A particularly moving moment was the Hippocratic Oath ceremony held at the Asklepieion Sanctuary, following an honorary invitation by Nikos Papantoniou, President of the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos.
The Kos experience continued with tours of the island’s historical monuments and museums, guided by Eleni Totomi, and culminated at Ktima Akrani, where participants enjoyed a sunset wine tasting featuring local Kos varieties, presented by Mary Triantafyllopoulou, President of the Kos Hoteliers Association.
A Workshop with a Holistic Approach
The fvw Workshop Greece once again proved to be a cornerstone event for promoting Greece in the German tourism market, offering a holistic experience of the destination through collaboration, experiential activities, and strategic dialogue.
Guided by the spirit of Hippocrates, the 11th fvw Workshop Greece in Kos laid the foundations for positioning the Dodecanese as a destination of well-being, authenticity, and sustainable developmen
