#GreeceFromHome: Greek Tourism Ministry's innovative platform keeps the dream destination in the heart of fans

An online platform called “Greece from Home” was launched by the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek Tourism Organization, and Marketing Greece, with the support of Google, aimed at reinforcing the country’s positive image during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The central aims of the initiative are to assist people around the globe to stay in touch with Greek culture and discover and be inspired by the country’s attractions, and for tourism professionals to enhance their digital skills with the help of Google – and all this while staying home.

The platform, also aimed at retaining the interest of potential visitors, also leverages YouTube, with hours of videos featuring popular figures including tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas and NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

The YouTube Channel also offers dozens of videos– from learning how to cook to brushing up on your Greek language skills, to digital daydreaming while you cruise around the beautiful islands of Greece.

According to Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, the #GreeceFromHome platform is part of the government’s overall strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In addition to taking measures to protect public health, shield and restart the economy and rebuild Greek society, the government is also taking steps to strengthen and manage the image of our country as a tourism destination,” the minister announced on Thursday during a web press conference he held to introduce the platform to the media.

The minister also stressed the cooperation between the public and private sectors for the initiative.

“It is particularly important that, in these difficult times, the public and private sectors work together to support Greek tourism, while also cooperating to prepare for the next day,” Theoharis noted.

The design of the #GreeceFromHome platform was done by the Chief Creative Officer of the Greek Government, Greek-Canadian Steve Vranakis, and his creative teams Ithaca Lab and Prinz & Co, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry, GNTO, Marketing Greece and Google.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the most difficult moments “we are going through in terms of what is happening to our industry right now”, Vranakis said that Greece From Home follows the Greek #menoumespiti (We Stay Home) concept.

“We want to send a message about all the things we can do from home,” Vranakis pointed out.

The platform is aimed towards a dual audience– international and Greeks.

“Greece From Home is for prospective visitors alongside Greeks, so there is content that will allow people to stay connected internationally. It is very important for people to still have Greece on the top of their minds and under their consideration whilst no one is traveling psychically, but they are still thinking about it,” Vranakis added.

The campaign is regarded as an ideal way to keep past and potential travelers dreaming about Greece, experiencing Greece, tasting Greece– all from their computer screens.

The message of the platform is as follows:

Stay safe, stay home.

It’s time to stay at home and hit the pause button. In these uncertain times, your health and the wellbeing of your loved ones is what matters most. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop connecting, being inspired and learning – maybe more now than ever before.

So this is where we share our love for Greece – connecting you with Greeks doing amazing things on our YouTube channel and letting you experience the best of Greece right now, on Discovergreece.com.

And if you work in tourism or any other sector, as an individual or business, you can learn new digital skills through a series of free courses in partnership with Google.

Wherever you are, while we’re apart at home, let’s stay together.

Connecting you with Greece

This is where we bring you videos of Greek personalities and creators from around the world. Greek-inspired music, mythology, cuisine, arts, crafts, fashion, sport, and style brought together on our YouTube Channel.

Stay at home with...  renowned chefs sharing their talents and Greek sports stars telling you what’s inspiring them at the moment, as well as a selection of videos of destinations and experiences from around Greece. So don’t forget to tune in daily and stay connected with Greece.

Dreaming is half the holiday

You’re at home, but that doesn’t mean your mind can’t travel. Greece means so many things to so many different people, so here’s your chance to experience it all.

The archaeological sites and museums, the glorious sea, the mountains and lakes, the villages and traditions, even gastro and walking tours – exploring, sailing, hiking, rafting, tasting, discovering… all from the safety of your home.

Until we’re able to be together again, let’s stay inspired.

Stay ahead and upskill

We know that this time presents unique challenges for businesses and professionals. Digital skills are more important than ever – whether you’re working from home, connecting with your customers or distance learning – so we want to help you with the free online training courses provided by Grow with Google.

They are flexible and personalized, designed to build your confidence and skills. Learn about creating a digital marketing plan, using social media effectively, the art of storytelling and so much more. Staying at home can also mean staying ahead.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report