Presented by [Name of presenter]

Municipality of Athens

Introduction Rationale behind the Athens Destination Specialist Program (ADSP) ADSP: What it is, how it works, participant benefits, content Dedicated media/bloggers moduleBenefits of ADSP for media/bloggers

Contents

Web Wireframes by UX Lab Content by Daily Secret Wesite Design by Nelios

specializeverb

“Concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill.” – Oxford English Dictionary

Introduction: Destination specialists in today’s digital age

Nowhere is specialization more important than in the travel industry. Why?

The Conundrum

In an age where consumers can navigate the globe with their fingertips, there is free access to a massive sea of information.

So how can travel agents and media/bloggers hope to stay ahead of their always-connect-ed, internet-savvy, app-happy clients?

Introduction: Destination specialists in today’s digital age

Insider advice Information

Rationale behind ADSP

So, you think you know Athens

Rationale behind ADSP

Athens Misconceptions

- Athens is all about history and culture

- Athens is mainly useful simply as a hub for travel to and from the Greek islands

- Athens is a summer-only destination

- Athens is not a desirable year-round travel destination

- Athens is not a prime location for business tourism

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

What is ADSP & who is it for?

- An engaging interactive online training program with customized content,

- Designed to help industry professionals and bloggers sell Athens,

- 6 modules - Module 1: Introduction: Athens Basics- Module 2: Travel Essentials- Module 3: Athens Experiences- Module 4: Athens Itineraries- Module 5: MICE- Module 6: Athens is for Bloggers

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Certification Process

- Interactive quiz questions,

- 20 minute modules

- 80% pass grade

MICE

MEDIA / BLOGGER

STANDARD

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Why ADSP? Benefits for travel professionals

The more you know about Athens, the better service you can offer your clients. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Increased itinerary planning skills and knowledge mean better customer satisfaction levels – not to mention that your ability to up-sell will increase the profitability of your business! As a customer-facing sales agent the reasons for completing the Athens Destination Specialist program include:

Increased sales with enhanced destination and knowledge of AthensAn exclusive Athens Destination Specialist online badge which can be used for your company’s websiteA boost for your CV to enhance your career prospectsBelonging to a community of top notch tour operatorsInvitations to events and training roadshows, etc.Access to newsletters that keep you informed of key news and eventsImproved connections with ACVB members – access to special services

ATH

ENS

D

ESTINATION SPECIALIST

STANDARD

Click to verify

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Content Logic

Focusing on the geography, culture, essential sites and attractions, travel tips, and sample itineraries, the scope of ADSP content aims to help you create memorable trips for your clients.

Throughout the course, your study will provide you with information to enhance the traveller’s appreciation of what they will be seeing, tasting, experiencing -- even help guide them on what they might choose to bring back for souvenirs.

Certified specialists can bring so much more than just destination information.

The central idea is that ADSP certification is “married” with the participants own experience and relationships, acting as an enabler which can bring Athens to life and add those small intimate, often “secret”, details that are only known to someone in the know.

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Module 1: Introduction: Athens Basics- Overview of ADSP

- Benefits of being an ADSP

- 5 reasons your clients will fall in love with Athens

- Athens at a Glance

- Key Facts & Figures

- Myths & Legends

- Customs-savoir vivreSTANDARD

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Module 2: Travel Essentials- Location & Geography

- Getting to and around Athens

- Visa Requirements & Customs Rules

- Accommodation TipsSTANDARD

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Module 3: Athens Experiences- History & Culture Highlights

- Monuments & Museums

- Gastronomy

- Essential City Experiences: Shopping, Great Outdoors,

Sailing, Going Niche

STANDARD

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Module 4: Athens Itineraries- When to visit: an Athens for all seasons

- Travel Itineraries (classic and traveller type): Athens in a Day, Athens in 3 Days, Hidden Treasures, The Romantic, Shop ‘til you Drop, Family Break, Adventure Seeker, The Foodie, The Sailing Entusiast, The Out of Towner

STANDARD

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Module 5: MICE- Athens Means Business: reasons Athens is a prime location for business tourism

- Geography: Variety of Locations

- Conference Venues

- Major International Exhibitions held in Athens

MICE

ADSP: What it is, how it works and participant benefits

Module 6: Athens is for Bloggers (not just for lovers)

- 7 Alternative Blog Posts About Athens: From exploring alternative neighbourhoods and Arcades, to discovering secret gardens and unorthodox walking tours, this module aims to inform about the less obvious sides of the city

MEDIA / BLOGGER

Dedicated module for media/bloggers: Rationale

The Challenge

More often than not media/bloggers find difficulty and finding new and excit-ing angles and subject matter to investigateThere is a need to differentiate and move away from talking only about the traditional Athens experiences, such as history, culture and museums.The idea is to help media/bloggers uncover the finer details of the city which have not been discovered yet or are not that well known to the international tourist community.

MEDIA / BLOGGER

Dedicated module for media/bloggers: Rationale

Content: Alternative Athens

While we don’t want to give away all of the content “secrets”, based on the rationale and logic we mentioned previously, the module is made up of 7 “wonders” of what is referred to as “Another Athens”, details which make for great topics of exploration for blog posts.

- Alternative Neighbourhoods: join the Bohemian culture in Exarchia or see the underground arts scene in Psirri- Unusual Arcades: little pockets of art, history, culture and commerce are hidden in the most unexpected corners- Alternative Museums: drive a F1 car at the Hellenic Automobile Museum- Secret Gardens: find an oasis of leafy calmness amid the concrete- Alternative Walking Tours: explore the mecca of street art that Athens has become- Unexpected (Yet Essential!) City Experiences: a Turkish bath in Athens? Yes- Gay Athens: discover a vibrant LGBTQ scene in Greece’s capital

Benefits Package for Registered Media/ Bloggers

- This is Athens ADSP status credentials: certificate and logo for open use.- Priority Access for FAM trips: privileged participation option for at least one of the Four Press/Bloggers Trips per Year, organized annually by the ACVB.- Sponsored City Transfers*: provision for free of charge transfers (tickets) within the City’s Public Transportation System or other means of transfers.- Attractions*: free Access to main attractions and sights, plus the Athens Spotlighted Card (by Athens International Airport)- Article ideas & material: assistance and support in story-making/feature planning regarding Athens (suggestions, contacts, interviews opportunities etc.). Full access to all relevant material (photos, videos etc.) and direct emailing regarding news and updates about the destination.- Complimentary Accommodation*: provision for complimentary stays in selected Hotels.- Visibility: listed as a This Is Athens Destination Specialist, offers direct visibility and recognition, to all ACVB members and the local trade community. * While on press/bloggers trips in Athens

Get more details from the This is Athens stand in the exhibition area.

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