The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) last night hosted a VIP screening gala for the “Clash of the Titans” sweepstakes at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. The movie is based on Greek mythology which is the center of attraction for many tourists in Greece. Before an audience of more than 200 professionals from the film, television, travel and diplomatic communities, Mr. Nicolas Kanellopoulos, President of the GNTO, introduced the new Greek Tourism television spot before a special screening of the movie, “Clash of the Titans.”
“Tonight we begin a new chapter of promoting tourism to Greece in the United States market,” said Mr. Kanellopoulos. “Greek mythology is an eternal source of drama and entertainment, just as Greece is a destination with eternally powerful attractions… from the cultural history of our ancient ruins to the epic beauty of our islands and natural landscapes to the richness and flavors of our unique cuisine. We are thrilled to have this collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures, and we look forward to more projects like these in the future.”
Mr. Kanellopoulos led a Greek delegation that held meetings with film and television executives in southern California, as well as meeting with travel writers and editors from leading print and online publications. “Hollywood is having a deep impact on international tourism, with blockbuster movies playing a large role in our choice of holiday destinations. Greece can be the ideal place for making global movies. GNTO is keen to develop cinema tourism, to promote Greece as a movie destination to film companies and supports film companies through specialized government commissions that would facilitate productions. The new campaign which will soon air focuses on the Greek word “kalimera” which signifies the authentic greek hospitality” explained Mr Kanellopoulos”.
Working in close coordination with the Greek Consulate in Los Angeles, the outreach is another step in a long-term effort to raise the profile of Greece in filmed entertainment and the media.
“We are pleased to have hosted and guided this delegation through the entertainment and media industries here in southern California,” said Ms. Elisabeth Fotiadou, Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles. “The Greek-American community warmly supports the expansion of these efforts, and we consider the forthcoming Greek Film Festival to be held in Los Angeles from June 10-13, 2010 as one more opportunity to promote Greek culture and tourism”.
The “Clash of the Titans” sweepstakes promotion with Warner Bros. Pictures and Fandango offers movie fans a chance to win an unforgettable vacation for two to Greece, which includes round-trip airfare for two to Athens along with a 7-night, 8-day Classical Greek Variety Cruise from Variety Cruises. The promotion launches Greece’s marketing campaign in the U.S. market with the objectives of raising awareness and driving potential bookings from the U.S. leisure travel market. “Clash of the Titans” is an action-packed adventure that has grossed more than $234 million worldwide (source: Box Office Mojo). The film features Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes at Hades, and Sam Worthington as Perseus. The film will be presented in 3D wherever possible, making the gods even more formidable, the creatures even more fearsome, and taking audiences even deeper into the mythological realm of Perseus’ quest. To learn more about the film, visit http://clash-of-the-titans.warnerbros.com/.
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