The Macedonia-Thrace Travel Agents Association, in collaboration with tourism marketing company, Respond on Demand, held the first-ever Premium Tourism Awards.
By Maria Athanasopoulou
The inaugural event took place to honour and recognise Greece’s leading tourism and travel companies; including the best hotels, destinations, travel agencies, and restaurants in Greece. Furthermore, the Premium Tourism Awards acknowledged tourism enterprises for their activities in other countries.
The judging committee consisted of senior executives of Greek travel agencies, while the voting process was open only to members of the Macedonia-Thrace Travel Agents Association, which is located in Thessaloniki and has hundreds of travel agencies from throughout Northern Greece as members.
This year the awards ceremony was held virtually on May 31st, however, from next year an elaborate ceremony is set to take place in Thessaloniki.
The main award winners are as follows:
Best All-Inclusive Hotel: Avra Beach
Best Destination Specialist on Rhodes Island: Choice Travel
Best Destination Specialist in Thrace/Evros: Democritus Travel

Best Creative Travel Experiences: Dromeas Travel
Best Business Travel: Efilial Travel
Best Boutique Hotel/Resort: Elaiolothos Luxury Retreat
Best Travel Company Supporting Local Community Activities: Grecian Lux

Best Online Tourism Website: Greek Travel Pages
Best Themed Gastronomy Destination: Honey Georgaka
Best Restaurant: Kalita Restaurant
Best Cultural Travel Experience: Mazi Travel & Events

Best Hotel Apartments: Mint Retreat Suites
Best Traditional Guesthouse: Nefeli Hotel
Best Family Hotel: Ouzas Hotel
Best Luxury Hotel/Resort: Rodos Palace Luxury Convention Resort
Best Meetings, Incentives & Conferencing: Signature Travel

Best Religious Tourism: Thea Travel
Best Themed Sports Destination: International Marathon Alexander the Great and International Thessaloniki Half Marathon
Best Destination: Skyros Island
Best Beach Hotel/Resort: Semeli Studios

Best Religious Tourism: T.I.T.A Travel
Best Hotel Apartments: Kamares Apartments Santorini
Maria Athanasopoulou is the founder of the tourism marketing company Respond On Demand. She is also the founder of the non-profit urban company Top Tourism. She has given seminars for tourism professionals, as well as many speeches and presentations on tourism issues, in events in Greece and abroad.