Geographical Network for Quality

VERGINAImathia, Central Macedonia, Greece

Members

• Local producers of agricultural products• Manufacturers of handicrafts• Wine makers, cheese producers etc.• Restaurants & Taverns• Hostels & Hotels• Outdoors activities

Form

• VERGINA is a Non-Profit Organization according to the Greek commercial law

• Has 12 founders• Accepts partners in specific projects• Is open to anyone who wishes to be a

member to be an associated member

• A Local Quality Pact must have an internal structure and goals as the well known CVBs – Conventions & Visitors Bureau

• A CVB has an average annual budget of about 100.000 euro and has two staff members.

Aims

• To increase the demand of the products and services that the members of the network provide

• To Promote the area as a tourist destination and establish the necessary destination marketing

• To offer higher quality services than the competition• To establish criteria of quality for its members and to control

them • To support and reinforce and network collective structures

and institutions in the area• To co-operate with similar structures in Greece and abroad in

order to exchange experiences

Funds

• 48.000 euro Initial Capital (i.e. 12 founders x 4.000 euro)

• Partners participate in each project with about 1000 euro

• Associate members participate with 20 euro annually

Means

• Co-operation with other networks• Use of European Union or local subsidies• Collaboration with local actors such as the

administration, local co-operatives, workers unions, cultural clubs etc.

An important aspect of the network is the use of frequent meetings in order to solve problems, bond the members together and create a common sense of perception among its associates.

These meetings take place every time at a different place in order to build up the social capital

Action Plan I

• Company profile (mail forms, business cards, logo etc.)• Printing of leaflets and flyers• Bilingual web-site• Newsletter• Advertisement in special media

Action Plan II

• Study visits• Festivities at its members• Planning of tourist routes that visit

its members• Fun Club creation• Participation in exhibitions

Geographical Network for Quality

VERGINAImathia, Central Macedonia, Greece

Contact Person: Dimitrios MichaelidisP.O.Box 50282, 54013 THESSALONIKI

Tel. +30 2310 282682 Fax +30 2310 282482 Mob. +30 6998 282382 agronea@otenet.gr

Representative: Savvas PerperidisEKIMEROS Tavern, Neos Prodromos

Mob. +30 6949 473798