-Promotion of gastronomy and local producers in the framework of the educational program “Grecotel Academy – Culinary 2024”
Grecotel held the “Grecotel Academy – Culinary 2024” training programme in the remote Evros region, highlighting the richness of the primary sector and its decisive role in the quality and creative development of gastronomy. The connection with the local community, the strengthening of local producers and the continuous development of the skills of its potential are key pillars of Grecotel’s vision, which was presented in practice in a special event that took place at the Astir & Egnatia hotels in Alexandroupolis.
The hotels were awarded in 2023 by the readers of the leading international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller, ranking high in the top 10 of the best hotels in Greece. The public recognizes the quality of hospitality, excellent service, authenticity and warmth of the people of Evros.
Within the framework of the “Grecotel Academy – Culinary 2024” training program, led by the Group’s executive chefs Sakis Tzaneto and Yannis Kounalakis, 70 chefs, sous chefs and cooks prepared more than 200 dishes based on traditional Greek cuisines and presented them at the reception organized at the end of the event, which was attended by the religious, military and political authorities of the country.
Flavours that highlight the unique characteristics of each place, emphasize the products of local producers and reflect the value that Grecotel attaches to gastronomy as a key factor in tourism development.
True to the philosophy of its founder, Nikos Daskalantonakis, Grecotel has been a pioneer in linking hotels with local production, producing a wide variety of agricultural products with crops in each hotel and showcasing fine products through permanent partnerships with local producers. Implementing his vision of linking tourism with organic farming, Nikos Daskalantonakis created the Agreco model farm in Rethymno, where all the traditional techniques of Crete are revived and offers the authentic tasting of Cretan food.
The promotion of Evros as a gastronomic destination is a strategic decision of the Grecotel Group, whose presence and action for more than 20 years has contributed decisively to the development of the region. In turn, the Municipality of Alexandroupolis has honoured Nikos Daskalantonakis by declaring him an honorary citizen of the city for his practical contribution to the local community over many years.
Grecotel comes once again to support the efforts of the worthy and productive people of Evros, and to highlight their skills and products.
The event was honored by the Bishop of Alexandroupolis, Mr. Anthimos, the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Stavros Keletsi, the Member of Parliament of Evros, Mr. Tasos Dimochakis, the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia – Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, and representatives of military and political authorities, as well as the business community of Alexandroupolis.
