Success. Athens will be the venue for the 37th World Association of Chefs Societies Congress in May, 2016. The decision was taken by the majority of the 75 countries who participated in the voting process, on Saturday 5 May, during the 35th WACS Congress held in the city of Daejeon, South Korea. The other two contestants bidding against Athens were Johannesburg and Istanbul. Through this decision, Greece establishes its position in the international gastronomic scene, since the 37th World Association of Chefs Societies Congress is expected to attract over 2000 participants, including internationally acclaimed chefs, as well as talented chefs now emerging on the gastronomic stage. This particular event is expected to serve as a dynamic promotion for Athens, Greece and also Mediterranean food, while financially benefiting the companies involved. The bid was submitted by the Hellenic Chefs’ Federation on behalf of Greece and its successful outcome was framed by the practical support of the Athens Convention Bureau and the Greek National Tourism Organization, as well as the financial contribution of the Municipality of Athens. The result marks a huge success, since Greece is currently experiencing a period of economic decline which it is trying to overcome, by making efforts to put its economy on the road to recovery and improve its image in the international media.
