[Vasso Paraschi/B&E Goulandris Foundation]
As alternative tourism becomes increasingly mainstream, one of its most popular forms in Greece – gastronomy – has found a new platform through which to grow. This development comes through a private initiative rather than a state organization, and aspires to serve as a one-stop shop for the needs, plans and expectations of visitors to Greece and lovers of its food and drink.
“Gastronomy Tours” was created by veteran winemaker Alexandros Megapanos. It offers both a website and a downloadable app, accessible to producers and users alike, enabling them to make the most of the considerable interest generated by Greek food and beverages.
Speaking to Kathimerini, Megapanos says the idea originated a few years ago within his circle of winemakers, who individually opened their doors to visitors. It soon expanded to include other types of local produce, such as olive oil and dairy products, as well as activities like cookery classes. “Gastronomy tourism in Greece has seen impressive growth but there was no organized way of informing people about the available options, not only within Greece but also abroad,” he says.
Together with his team, he developed a platform that lists gastronomic experiences across Greece, including guided tours, tastings, classes and more. All offerings are searchable by content, location and time of year. The platform also features user reviews, making it, as he describes, “like TripAdvisor for gastronomic experiences.”
In addition, the platform provides extra services for users, such as the option to book transportation to the location of an experience, a calendar of local fairs and a glossary of Greek gastronomic terms for those less familiar with them.
It is also expanding to include more content, users, producers and turnover. According to Megapanos, more than 500 producers are currently listed and offering services through the platform, with a goal of reaching 10,000 and stretching well beyond Greece to become an international presence.
“Sales triple every year,” he says, as both the app and the website, gastronomytours.com – available exclusively in English – gain wider recognition.
“I do this because I enjoy it and believe in it – I see excellent prospects,” he says.