Traveller’s gastronomic profile in 2021 will be different, closer to quality and tradition. Kostas Koveos presents profiles that will prevail.
The year that will soon pass (the article was written a few days before 2020 expires) was a very special, difficult year and historic I would quote.
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to health, but also to the global economy. The majorities of industries and activities have been severely affected and in many cases catastrophically.
The catering, aviation and tourism sectors in general have been hit the hardest in my opinion. It will take a strong assistance for these businesses to get back on their feet and most importantly stay active and open.
Logically speaking, with the dawn of 2021 the vaccinations will start to be done en masse, so that we can reach the tourist season of 2021 with as much safety as possible, in order for the tourist machine to start operating and making up for a part of 2020 lost revenue.
It is true that the planet’s majority, according to research (Expedia Group) showed that what we will want to do after the normalization of the pandemic’s situation, is to travel and of-course to visit favorite restaurants, bars and catering areas in general.
Let’s go now to the “juice” of present article.
The profiles that will prevail
When we talk about gastronomic profile, we refer to what exactly a traveller is looking for when he visits a country. What he wants to try, to taste, to enjoy.
I believe that this year, but also for the next decade, is a golden opportunity to highlight the gastronomic wealth of each country and ofcource ours in Greece.
I now believe that mass tourism model tends to be eliminated, especially when we are talking about large groups of people.
The “lights” fall on individual travellers (couples, groups of friends), families and gastronomic seekers.
The aforementioned profiles of travellers tend to look for the local gastronomy of each country, to want to see up close how a product is manufactured (visit to wineries, farms, etc) and ofcource to take back with them, part of these experiences.
Another trend that will flourish in the upcoming decade are the friends of healthy eating and its various branches (vegan, vegetarian, organic etc).
Another great opportunity for our country to highlight the richness and taste of vegetables and organically produced fruits as well as other products.
Stuffed chicken with broccoli & spinach/beluga lentils salad/Ladoelia olive oil & salt flavoured with lemon and thyme -Created by Chef Konstantinos Koveos 
Stuffed chicken with broccoli & spinach/beluga lentils salad/Ladoelia olive oil & salt flavoured with lemon and thyme -Created by Chef Konstantinos Koveos 
The modern traveller, regardless of his financial strength, is lookiing for the authentic, the special. This is, after all, the most important reason we travel. To feel for a short while citizens of the country we are visiting.
Already several hotels and restaurants in our country, have invested in knowledge and education, to be close to these trends.
They have started to move away from the barriers we have witnessed in previous years, such as serving the same breakfast every day or having specific codes on their menus without any innovation.
Personally, I believe that looking back at tradition we find the way to the future.
If we really look for what the place that our business is producing, support the local products that are next to us and integrate them through a contemporary and modern prism, we have succeeded in offering an authentic result, while supporting the local society and entrepreneurship.
Let us give basis to the raw material that the place produces, to highlight it, without many interventions and razzle-dazzle.
Yes to innovation, no to commonplace.That, I believe, is the key.
Executive Chef Kostas Koveos
Our country, Greece is “fortunate” as it is rich in products and recipes. It can cover every gastronomic profile and particularity, but we must look for it and integrate it with respect and modern perspective.
So back to tradition, looking ahead.
English (UK) 
Ελληνικά