EU Commissioner
Sustainable Transport and Tourism
Apostolos Tzitzikostas is the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. His task is to make European transport more competitive, sustainable and resistant to future shocks, and to ensure that it is safe, accessible and affordable for all EU citizens.
He is responsible for:
- working to ensure that the missing Trans-European Transport corridor parts are built by 2030, and strengthening the single market for transport services
- promoting a resilient and competitive tourism sector, in line with the EU Agenda for Tourism 2030
- putting forward a plan for an ambitious European high-speed rail network to help connect EU capitals
- developing a Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation to help passengers buy one single ticket on one single platform and protect passenger rights
- putting in place a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan to scale up and prioritise investments to decarbonise the sector, including the electrification of road transport and the use of cutting-edge technologies
- focusing on different transport sectors, for instance by developing a new industrial maritime strategy
- coming up with a strategy for EU ports, focusing on security and competitiveness
Harry Theoharis
Member of Parliament for New Democracy
Former Deputy Minister of Finance
Former Minister of Tourism, Greece
Born August 6, 1970, in Athens.
Mr. Harry Theoharis was first elected in 2015 and on December 18, 2018, he joined the New Democracy party.
Mr. Theoharis holds an MEng (Hon) in Software Engineering from Imperial College, London, and has held high-ranking positions in private sector companies in Greece and abroad. He has also worked in start-up companies.
During 2011-2012, Mr. Theoharis served as Secretary General for Information Systems and is known for introducing new digital services to assist the public, helping to reduce bureaucracy and its associated costs.
He later (2013-14) served as Secretary General for Public Revenues at the Greek Finance Ministry. There, he succeeded in meeting budget revenues and producing a fiscal surplus. He is also known for launching the www.publicrevenue.gr platform to increase transparency in public administration.
From 2019 to 2021, he served as Minister of Tourism, where he focused on rejuvenating Greece’s tourism sector, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting sustainable practices and digital transformation. He was also the Parliamentary Spokesperson for the New Democracy political party from 2021 to 2023.
In the national elections of May and June 2023, he was re-elected Member of Parliament with the New Democracy political party. On June 27, 2023, Mr. Theoharis was appointed by Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis as Deputy Minister of Finance of Greece for taxation matters, a position he held until June 2024. During his tenure, he prioritized transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the tax system, while fostering an investment-friendly environment.
In the fall of 2024, Harry Theoharis took on a new challenge: running for Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the endorsement of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. His vision is to lead a global effort for a more dynamic, modern, digital, and effective UNWTO, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Harry Theoharis’s extensive experience in public administration, crisis management, and tourism policy uniquely positions him to make a significant impact on the future of global tourism.
He is married to Dimitra Rigogianni and is the father of four children.
Hon. Olga Kefalogianni
Minister of Tourism
Greece
Olga Kefalogianni was born in Athens in 1975.
She is a graduate of the School of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1997) and holds two postgraduate degrees, from King’s College, University of London (LL.M, 1998) and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston (GMAP, 2006).
She has worked in large law firms in Athens and New York, as well as in the Legal Service of the European Commission in Brussels.
From 2004 to 2006 she was an associate of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in legal matters.
She was elected Member of Parliament for the Prefecture of Rethymno (2007 and 2009), and, since 2012, she has been elected to the Athens A’ constituency (2012, 2015, 2019, 2023).
She served as Minister of Tourism in Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ government (2012 – 2015).
She has also served as Head of the Greek parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (I.P.U), ambassador of the Greek Parliament to the Women Political Leaders (WPL) network, and member of the parliamentary committees of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Production and Trade, Institutions and Transparency, European Affairs and Armament Programs and Contracts.
She is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Policy Studies on Gender and Equality – (KEMEFI) of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO).
She is married to composer Minos Matsas and they have two children.
ITIC Deal Rooms & Networking Meetings
Presentations on Tourism Initiatives Seeking Investment and
Opportunities for Collaboration between African and European
Travel and Tour Operators.
The summit will also feature networking sessions, providing a platform for global and local businesses to form joint ventures and partnerships in the travel and tourism sector under the company’s guidance, leading to the signature of LOIs and MOUs.
The programme aims to deliver significant value to the private sector on a global, regional, and local scale by creating a conducive environment for networking and business interactions.
Following the summit’s conclusion, ITIC is committed to meticulously engaging with project owners, developers, potential investors, and funding sources. The company will facilitate and structure investments in the identified projects it has been entrusted with.
Explore Botswana Tourism Investment Summit 2023 photos
Feel the vibe
The ITIC Europe-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 convened on May 5 at the Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens, Greece, bringing together policymakers, investors, and tourism leaders to advance sustainable tourism development across Africa.
The summit focused on fostering EU-Africa cooperation and exploring strategic partnerships aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
Discover inspiring keynotes, interactive sessions and unique insights
Opening Ceremony & Keynote
Case study & Panel Discussions
Conversations
Presentations for tourism projects pitching to secure investment
Panel Discussions
News
Grand Resort Lagonissi – The Threshold to Paradise
Escape in a haven of relaxation and grandeur by the azure of the sea, delve in the pleasures of luxury and experience the epitome of indulgence in the dreamiest island-like resort of the athenian riviera.
Nuzzled in a 72-acre private peninsula in the Athenian Riviera with stunning views to the Saronic Gulf, the 5 star Grand Resort Lagonissi exceeds all expectations of a luxury summer resort.
Grand Resort Lagonissi is a dreamy island like resort in the south suburbs of Athens with exceptional sea view rooms and sea front bungalows, private pools and private beaches, upscale hotel facilities, scrumptious dining choices, holistic spa and wellness treatments as well as tailored concierge services designed to meet the desires of prominent guests. Renowned as one of the best luxury beach resorts near Athens, the Grand Resort Lagonissi takes summer holidays to a whole new level of indulgence.
5 Star Athens Beach Resorts
Conveniently situated approximately 45 minutes away from the center of Athens, 20 minutes from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos and 35 minutes from the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, the seafront Grand Resort Lagonissi offers the perfect base to explore the wonders of the Athenian Riviera. Esteemed guests are welcome to surrender to the pleasures of luxury at the most glorious hotel grounds, embark on the most mouth-watering culinary journeys at the hotel’s 7 exquisite restaurants and 3 bars, experience the epitome or recreation, leisure and entertainment with the series of sports activities and entertainment choices offered by the hotel, revitalize their senses at the Spa and organize the most successful events at the most stunning venues of the south suburbs of Athens in Greece. Considered as one of the finest 5 star Athens Beach Resorts, Grand Resort Lagonissi offers the epitome of luxury holidays near Athens.
Seafront Athens Resorts with VIP Services
The hotel’s private grounds stretching along a picturesque 5.2 km coastline with 16 private beaches, unsurpassed facilities and services allow visitors to enjoy a one of a kind holiday experience at one of the best Athens Resorts in Greece tailored to their needs and desires. From Learjet to yacht rental services, Grand beach memberships, incentive programs and a stunning collection of private residencies, the Grand Resort Lagonissi intends to spoil its guests with more than a holiday at what is known as the best hotel in Lagonissi.
Registration
In-person registration for the Summit is now closed.
However, you can still attend virtually.
Lee-Anne Singer
Chairwoman
FEDHASA
As the Marketing and Sales Director, Lee-Anne is responsible for the sales and marketing at The Singer Group, a well-known travel and hospitality company with a track record of almost 60 years in the business.
With over 20 years of experience, she focuses on business development, identifying new business opportunities and partnerships for the Group. She was recently appointed as Chairperson of FEDHASA Cape, and serves on the board of Glendale, a home for intellectually disabled adults.
Her career highlights include speaking at the International Travel Tech Conference in Tel Aviv and winning the ‘Western Cape Positive Role Model’ title in the Gender Mainstreaming Awards.
Lee-Anne has worked in various roles within the media industry, including CNBC Africa, The Property Magazine and Top Women in Business and Government.