Epirus and Thessaly will be featured in the French Routard guide as alternative destinations for the whole year.
Its unique natural landscapes Epirus and her Thessaly but also the many possibilities offered by the two destinations for alternative tourism throughout the year will be shown in special honors organized by France’s most popular travel guide Backpacker.
The area was recently visited by the French editor-in-chief of Guide Mr. Jean-Philippe Damianiin the context of a press conference organized by the Office EOT of France in cooperation with the regions of Epirus and Thessaly.
The purpose of the study trip was to gather the necessary materials to write two columns for the leading French travel guide Routard and its online edition.
Mr. Damiani visited Ioannina, Agoraphobia, Vikos Gorge, Montenegrin, Dodoni and Meteora as ideal alternative sustainable year-round holiday destinations and was impressed by the unique natural landscapes, gentle outdoor activities, culture and gastronomy.
In the mountains of Epirus – From left: Ms. Niovi Tomu, Epirus Region Scientific Advisor responsible for Zagori/UNESCO Cultural Landscape, Ms. Areti Stassinou, Epirus Region Special Advisor on Tourism, Mr. Jean-Philippe Damiani, editor-in-chief of Routard and Mr. Charitakis Papaioannou Dr. Biologist, Coordinator of Geopark Vikos-Aoos/Epiros SA
In Epirus, Mr. Damiani was taken to the city of Ioannina, the Ancient Theater of Dodoni, the picturesque Zagorochoria, where he hosted and toured the traditional villages: Vitsa, Kipoi, Monodendri. He visited the Rizario Exhibition Center, the School of Crafts, Papigo, where he was taken to one of the traditional houses of the village and saw the natural pools of Rogovou up close. He also visited the famous stone bridges of Kokoris, Plakidas and Kipi while walking the trails of the area and learning about the rich flora and fauna. From the “Oxia” position, he admired the majestic Vikos Gorge, the stone forest and the unique nature of the Voidomatis River.
Mr. Damiani also had the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and experience the authentic continental hospitality and natural beauty of the area.
With the assistance of the Region of Epirus, the Routard Editor-in-Chief was accompanied by Mr. Haritakis Papaioannou, Dr. Biologist, Vikos-Aoou Geopark/Epiros SA Coordinator, Ms. Georgia Kitsaki, Dr. of Social Anthropology/Epiros SA, Ms. Niovi Tomu, Scientific Advisor of the Epirus Region in charge of the Cultural Landscape of Zagori/UNESCO and Ms. Areti Stassinu, Special Advisor of the Region for Tourism.
In Thessaly, Mr. Damiani was taken to all the active monasteries of Meteora, as well as to the hermitages, and had the opportunity to become deeply acquainted with the religious and cultural history of the region. He also took part in hiking along Meteora’s scenic trails, enjoying the unparalleled natural scenery that the area has to offer. He also visited the area of ​​Khasia, where he toured villages such as Agios Dimitrios, Agios Theodosios and the picturesque village of Gavros. In this area, he had the opportunity to taste the local gastronomy, discovering traditional flavors and products.
Finally, Mr. Jean-Philippe Damiani also met with the responsible Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of the Thessaly region, Mrs. Anastasia Adamopoulou and was informed about the special forms of tourism that the region offers.
The Routard French Internet guide is the second most visited in France after TripAdvisor. It is aimed at travelers seeking authentic destinations and experiences, with respect for nature and local communities. His website receives 5.5 million unique visitors per month and maintains a dynamic social media presence, with 443,000 followers on Facebook, 209,000 on Instagram, 52,700 on X and 14,900 on the newly created TikTok. 85% of the audience is French, with the remaining 15% coming from other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.
Demographically, 37% of Routard readers are between 25-49, 22% under 25, 23% between 50-64 and 18% 65 and over, high social, educational and social CSP + at a rate of 43%, of which 58% are women and 42% are men. Routard readers travel solo, 57% alone or as a couple and 43% as families. The site targets an audience of more than 5 million who are interested in sustainable and cultural travel, eco-friendly activities (hiking, cycling) and looking for good value for money, striving for quality experiential tourism.