Thessaloniki, Greece — October 17, 2025. The ITER VITIS Conference, held today at the Grand Hotel Palace in Thessaloniki, gathers leading figures in wine tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable development from across Europe. Under the theme “Cultural Vine Tourism in Action: Iter Vitis Best Practices for a Greener, Inclusive, and Innovative Future,” the event celebrates excellence and innovation within the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme.
The conference opens with welcoming remarks and keynote addresses that set the tone for an engaging and forward-looking day dedicated to sustainability, inclusion, and innovation in the wine tourism sector.
Panel 1 – Environmental Sustainability in Wine Tourism
Moderated by Dr. Anastasia Gadolou, Director General of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, this first panel delves into climate adaptation, sustainable landscapes, biodiversity, and technology. Esteemed speakers — including Esther Vidal (Spain), Luca Balbiano (Italy), and Theodora Rouvalis (Greece) — share examples of sustainable viticulture and innovative technologies supporting environmental stewardship in wine regions.
Panel 2 – Social Sustainability and Inclusion
The second session, led by Andromachi Skreka, Supervisor of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kastoria, focuses on the social dimension of wine tourism. Discussions explore the power of education, local communities, accessibility, and cultural heritage transmission to foster inclusion. Inspiring contributions come from projects in Italy, Moldova, Israel, Greece, and Turkey — showcasing how wine tourism can bridge cultures and empower communities.
Panel 3 – Economic Sustainability and Innovation
Moderated by Fotis Papastefanou from the Directorate of Tourism of the Region of Central Macedonia, the third panel highlights business resilience, experiential tourism, cooperation, and value chains. Experts and members of ITER VITIS from Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and France present innovative practices that link gastronomy, culture, and tourism, creating sustainable value for destinations and entrepreneurs alike.
Special Panel – ENOGASTRODEST Interreg Europe Project
A dedicated session moderated by Manos Vougioukas, Secretary-General of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), presents the ENOGASTRODEST Project, emphasizing best practices in gastronomic tourism across Europe and its synergies with the ITER VITIS network.
The conference concluded with a networking brunch, offering participants an informal opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and plan future collaborations.
“Wine is not only a product of the land — it is a cultural expression that unites people, territories, and traditions,” says Emanuela Panke, President of ITER VITIS. “Today’s discussions in Thessaloniki show how our shared passion for wine tourism can inspire greener practices, inclusive communities, and innovative experiences that safeguard Europe’s heritage for future generations.”
The event is hosted by the Region of Central Macedonia, reaffirming Greece’s vital role within the ITER VITIS network and its commitment to promoting sustainable wine and cultural tourism in the Mediterranean and beyond.
As the conference unfolds, ITER VITIS – Cultural Route of the Vine and Wine continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic European network that bridges culture, sustainability, and tourism innovation.