Germany’s tourism leaders expect 2026 to be a strong and sustainable year for Greece, and support the country’s efforts to strengthen its position as a leading European destination.

Posted on November 1, 2025

Germany’s tourism leaders are optimistic about Greece’s prospects in 2026, offering strong support to the country’s efforts to boost its reputation as a leading European destination. By focusing on sustainability and growth, Greece’s initiatives align with broader industry trends, ensuring it remains a preferred choice for travelers seeking cultural richness and eco-friendly tourism experiences.

The 11th edition of the FVW TravelTalk Workshop, a major annual event organized by the well-established German tourism market information network FVW Medien, was successfully held in Kos from 15 to 19 October 2025. The event, which attracted professionals from various tourism and travel sectors, drew great interest to Greek tourism and, more specifically, to the island of Kos as a prime destination for international visitors.

This year’s workshop was organized with the support of various tourism stakeholders, including the Hellenic National Tourism Organization and the Southern Aegean Tourism Directorate. In addition, the event received significant contributions from major players in the industry, such as Aegean Airlines and Grecotel hotel chain. The participation of these organizations added a layer of credibility and enhanced the overall effectiveness of the workshop, which focused on promoting tourism offers in Greece, especially those in Kos.

The FVW TravelTalk workshop is an essential meeting point for decision-makers in the tourism industry, attracting executives from major travel agencies, airlines and industry experts focused on the German tourism market. These professionals are responsible for shaping the direction of travel and tourism trends, making their comments and ideas crucial to determining the future growth of destinations like Kos.

During the workshop, a range of important topics were discussed, all aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of Kos for tourists and strengthening Greece’s position as a top travel destination in Europe. One of the main topics of the workshop was how to develop innovative travel experiences that capitalize on the rich history and culture of the island, especially its connection to Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The workshop also focused on best practices related to sustainable tourism, which has become an increasingly important issue for travelers around the world. With sustainability at the forefront of many travellers’ minds, the workshop highlighted how Kos and other Greek destinations can incorporate these practices into their tourism offerings to ensure long-term growth and environmental responsibility.

Another focus of the event was upcoming plans for 2026, where German tourism professionals shared their vision on how the Greek tourism sector can adapt to changing market conditions and travel behaviours. This forward-looking approach allowed participants to discuss future trends, ensuring that Greek tourism remains competitive and responsive to international demand. Messages from German tourism professionals in attendance were particularly positive, with many expressing optimism about the potential for increased bookings in the coming years.

The event also included a unique networking opportunity, where participants were able to meet and interact with representatives of local businesses and organizations. This part of the event is designed to foster valuable connections and encourage direct networking between international industry professionals and local stakeholders. These meetings were an essential part of the workshop, enabling attendees to establish new relationships and explore potential collaborations that could help drive the future growth of the tourism sector on Kos.

The local community’s participation in the event was highlighted by welcome speeches from dignitaries such as the local governor and the mayor. These leaders played an integral role in setting the tone for the event and promoting the importance of tourism to the island’s economy. Their participation in the workshop emphasized the importance of collaboration between local government, businesses and the wider tourism industry.

In an additional effort to engage visiting professionals, the program included an extensive hospitality experience. Participants had the opportunity to explore some of Kos’s most important cultural landmarks, which are major attractions for tourists looking to experience the island’s rich history and heritage. The program also included a visit to a local winery, where guests were introduced to the island’s wine culture and production methods. This experience was particularly beneficial, as it allowed attendees to learn first-hand about one of the island’s traditional industries, enhancing their understanding of the destination.

In addition to the winery visit, the program included the Hippocratic Oath Ceremony, an important historical and cultural event that highlights Kos’s deep connections to medicine and health. The ceremony was a reminder of the island’s historical significance and its continued importance in the global conversation about health and wellness tourism. Attendees also visited several hotels across the island, giving them a first-hand look at the high-quality accommodation available to travellers.

Finally, the hospitality program extended beyond Kos, with participants also visiting neighboring islands, including Nisyros and Kalymnos. These trips gave attendees a broader sense of the tourism offerings across the South Aegean region, demonstrating the diverse experiences tourists can enjoy when visiting the region.

The primary goal of the FVW TravelTalk workshop is to increase awareness of the host destination, and ultimately boost sales by connecting local tourism stakeholders with key decision makers in the travel industry. By facilitating these connections, the workshop plays a crucial role in expanding the distribution networks of tour operators and travel agents, who play an essential role in driving tourism to destinations like Kos. The workshop is also supported by FVW Medien, which communicates with approximately 8,000 travel agencies daily, ensuring that the event’s messages reach a broad audience of industry professionals.

Germany’s tourism leaders are confident of Greece’s strong prospects for 2026, and support the country’s strategic focus on sustainability to strengthen its position as a leading European destination.

The 11th FVW TravelTalk Workshop proved to be a valuable event for both the tourism industry in Greece and the island of Kos. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovative travel experiences and future planning, the workshop served as a platform for meaningful discussions and business communications. The positive messages shared by German tourism professionals, coupled with an attractive hospitality programme, have paved the way for a bright future for Kos as a leading travel destination.