A delegation of top Greek tourism officials attended a press conference at World Sport Destination Expo in Johannesburg this morning to highlight the country’s superb sporting facilities and other tourism attractions.

The event – which was described as a “useful exchange of views” by the South African delegation - focused on dispelling the myths which have grown up around Greek tourism since the country began to experience financial difficulties earlier this year.

Officials were quick to remind potential visitors – both from South Africa and around the world – that Greece remains very much open for business.

Outside of the world famous ancient sights – including the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi and Olympia – the delegation also highlighted the national sporting pedigree.

The Greek national football side took the 2004 European Championship title, generating enormous interest in the transformative power of sport across the country. As a result, over the past six years, sports tourism has become an integral part of the Greek tourism offering.

World Sport Destination Expo

Taking place during the final week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the landmark five day World Sport Destination Expo will showcase to the most rapidly growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry. 

At a time when some traditional tourism trends are in decline, sport tourism continues to flourish and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade.

The world’s most sought after sporting destinations, bidding nations and cities, resorts and hotels, sporting bid committees, tour and event organisers, international media and elite buyers will for the very first time convene to conduct future business, source new contacts and markets and gain invaluable insights from the advanced knowledge of industry leaders and figure-heads.

20,000 visitors are expected to attend this ground-breaking event, as the sport tourism industry congregates in Johannesburg ahead of the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Sunday.