Delos, a symbol of timeless cultural value | GNTO event in London

The role of culture as a lever for sustainable tourism development and the GNTO’s vision for a modern tourism identity centered on cultural experience were discussed by the organization’s Secretary General, Andreas Fiorentinos, speaking at an event titled “Delos: Intersections of Heritage and Innovation through Time and People”, which took place on May 27 at the Greek Embassy in London.

The event focused on the island of Delos as a symbol of timeless cultural value and innovation and was organized by the Greek Embassy in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Hellenic Business Society in Great Britain, with Mr. Fiorentinos as the guest speaker, following an invitation from the Greek Ambassador, Ioannis Tsaousis.

The Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) underlined the value of authenticity and historical continuity in tourism, while referring to his deep personal and family connection with Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia, he emphasized the role of cultural entrepreneurship, noting characteristically: “Tourism can be much more than a service: it can be a narrative, a memory and a relationship with the place. Delos, although uninhabited, is alive. It speaks of light, aesthetics, the connection between man and landscape – everything that the modern traveler is looking for today.”

The “Sandwich Marble”

The intervention of the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hélène Duchêne, aroused particular interest. She referred to her childhood memories of Delos, when her archaeologist father participated in the excavations of the island, while the British historian and writer, Bettany Hughes, also sent a message from Delos.

Finally, the “Sandwich Marble”, a rare archaeological find from Delos, which is hosted in the Cambridge Museum and symbolizes the connection of Greece’s cultural treasures with the wider European and international community, had a special place at the event.

The event was also attended by distinguished personalities from the fields of arts, politics, academia, and entrepreneurship, such as sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, member of the Steering Committee of the Greek-British Symposium, Dr. Vicky Pryce, and former Mayor of Cambridge, George Pippas.

• In the photo | From left, sculptor Sir A. Gormley, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization, A. Fiorentinos, Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom, H. Duchêne, Ambassador of Greece to London, I. Tsaousis, the president of the Hellenic Business Society in the UK, Dr. Christos Angelis, and the member of the Steering Committee of the Greek-British Symposium, Dr. V. Pryce.

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