A highly successful press trip for Irish media representatives took place in the Peloponnese, aiming to showcase the destination’s authentic character, cultural identity, gastronomy, and year-round travel experiences.
The press trip was held from 12 to 15 May 2026 and was co-organized by the Region of Peloponnese, Visit Peloponnese, and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), with the valuable support of the GNTO UK & Ireland Office, as part of a targeted promotional strategy for the Peloponnese in the United Kingdom and Irish markets.
The Irish market continues to demonstrate strong potential for Greek tourism. According to the latest available data from the Bank of Greece, 184,996 Irish visitors travelled to Greece in 2025, representing an increase of 37.4% compared to 2024. This trend confirms the growing demand for authentic, experiential, and thematic travel experiences beyond traditional tourism patterns.
A central objective of the initiative was to position the Peloponnese as a modern, multi-dimensional, and authentic destination of experiences. Visit Peloponnese and the Region of Peloponnese played a key role in designing and supporting the programme, highlighting the region’s connection with adventure tourism, outdoor activities, nature, gastronomy, culture, and local identity.
Participants explored diverse aspects of the Peloponnese, from the coastal landscapes of Corinthia to the mountainous region of Arcadia and the Messinian coastline. The programme included hiking experiences around Lake Vouliagmeni in Corinthia, wine tasting at Palivou Estate, exploration of the Lousios Gorge and sections of the Menalon Trail—the first certified trail in Greece—visits to traditional villages such as Stemnitsa, and immersive gastronomic experiences at Arcadiani.
Messinia and the Navarino area formed the third major stop of the itinerary, with particular emphasis on soft adventure and nature-based tourism experiences. Highlights included an e-bike tour around the Voidokilia area, while the visit to the Palace of Nestor in Pylos generated special interest as it serves as a source of inspiration and filming location for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “The Odyssey”.
The programme was further supported by Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon Resort, MANNA Arcadia, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, which played an important role in showcasing the high quality of hospitality and the diverse tourism offering available throughout the Peloponnese.
Through this experience, the region was presented as a destination that combines coastal landscapes, mountain villages, gorges, hiking trails, cultural landmarks, modern hospitality infrastructure, and authentic gastronomy, appealing to travellers seeking meaningful and high-quality travel experiences.
Statement by the Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of the Peloponnese, Mr. Thanos Michelongonas
“Under the guidance of Governor Dimitris Ptochos, the Peloponnese is steadily evolving into one of the Mediterranean’s most authentic and multi-faceted destinations. Through strategic partnerships with the Greek National Tourism Organisation, airlines, international media, and tourism professionals, we continue to open new markets and reach travellers seeking meaningful experiences connected to nature, culture, gastronomy, and local identity. Our goal is not only to increase visitor numbers, but also to position the Peloponnese internationally as a year-round destination for experiential tourism.”