The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Greece bets big at the New York Times Travel Show

Relax News
Tuesday 23 February 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments
(NYT Travel Show)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Greece may be facing bad press in Europe, but it's putting on a big -- the biggest -- show at the New York Times Travel Show, which kicks off February 26.

Greece may be facing bad press in Europe, but it's putting on a big - the biggest - show at the New York Times Travel Show, which kicks off February 26.

The Greek National Tourism Association has the biggest stand on the show's floorplan, eclipsing even that of American Express, the show's presenting sponsor.

It's probably a sound investment for the Mediterranean country; tourism accounts for approximately 18 percent of Greece's shaky economy. In 2008 around 17 million people visited, many going to one of the thousands of Greek islands, making it the 16th most popular tourist destination in the world.

Of course, Greece is only one of 150 countries selling themselves at the show, which runs February 26-28 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. A total of 500 exhibitors will be on display at the show, making it one of the biggest in the calendar and a must for the world's tourism authorities. Turkey, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and India all have fairly large stands, but even tiny Macau is represented at the show.

The aim of the show is naturally to get people travelling, with strategic American Express "booking stations" placed around the hall. But for fans of window-shopping (or window-sightseeing), there is plenty of entertainment on show from around the world, including Mexico's "Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández," Puerto Rican salsa from "Danza Fiesta" and the Latvian national dance group "Jumis."

Speciality areas include pavilions for adventure travel, family travel, vacation home rental and cruises. The presence of Seaworld and Busch Gardens caters for animal lovers too - creatures on exhibit are set to include penguins, an American alligator, a lemur, the kookaburra bird and a Burmese python.

Foodies can gorge themselves on the food and drinks presented by each country; South African wine, Indian sweets, Ukrainian cuisine and tequila sampling from Mexico are all on the schedule. The Consul General of the Philippines, Cecilia Rebong, will even present a special demonstration of Filipino cooking.

The New York Times Travel Show is open to trade only on February 26 and opens to the public February 27 - 28. Admission to the show is $15 (€11.07) with a $5 (€3.69) discount if tickets are purchased with an American Express Card - under 18s go free.

Website: http://www.nytimes.com/travelshow

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in