European Profiles SA, the Leader of the StarGrowth Consortium, is pleased to announce the upcoming online workshop, “Challenges and Opportunities in Agritourism and Ecotourism”, to be held on April 24–25, 2025 for Greek participants.
As part of StarGrowth’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable rural tourism across Europe, this two-day event will provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and professional development focused on the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), operating in agritourism and ecotourism sectors.
Workshop Overview
Designed to address current challenges and emerging opportunities in the sustainable tourism landscape, the workshop will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders—including tourism professionals, sustainability experts, entrepreneurs, and academic representatives.
Participants will benefit from practical insights, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions led by leading voices in the field. Key themes include overtourism, sustainability certifications, and innovative business strategies for tourism in rural and natural environments.
📅 Day 1 — April 24, 2025
Key Topics: Tackling Overtourism & Embracing Certification Standards
- George Drakopoulos, Founder & CEO of Tourism Generis, will open the session with a compelling analysis of overtourism in island destinations—a pressing issue for many European regions.
- Eva Borboudaki from TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas will delve into the role of sustainable tourism certifications, highlighting how verified standards can empower businesses and boost destination credibility.
📅 Day 2 — April 25, 2025
Key Topics: Best Practices and Strategic Insights
The second day will feature case studies and strategic insights from top-level experts, including:
- Gian Andrea Garancini, EU & GSTC Tourism Expert
- Vasileios Spokos, Tourism Strategy Consultant
- Dr. Akrivi Vagena, Hellenic Mediterranean University
This session will explore best practices in sustainable tourism, offering guidance on how SMEs can align with global trends while preserving local authenticity and biodiversity.
🔗 How to Join
Both sessions will be hosted online via Zoom and are free to attend. Registration is open to all stakeholders, professionals, and individuals interested in sustainable tourism and rural development.
Stay Connected
The workshop is part of the StarGrowth initiative, supporting rural tourism businesses through capacity-building, networking, and knowledge-sharing. For more information on the project and upcoming activities, stay tuned to our website and follow us on social media.
Let’s shape the future of rural tourism – together!
