The faithful flock to Panagia Soumela from as far as India

"The Virgin Mary Soumela is a global pilgrimage for the Pontians - and not only - and this year we have people in our region from every corner of the planet. It has been said, in fact, for years now that due to the large attendance, the ground in the area "falls" by a few centimeters," emphasizes, speaking to the radio station of the Athenian/Macedonian News Agency "Agency 104.9 FM", the president of the Imathia Hoteliers' Association, Dimitris Mantzios.

As Mr. Mantzios says, this year too there is a large influx of visitors for the pilgrimage. In fact, many have already arrived in Imathia, having traveled vast distances and thousands of kilometers. “It is very pleasant that this year we have visitors from almost everywhere, even from India - these are Greeks who live and work there. They came as a small group staying in a hotel in the area. We also have visitors from Australia, the USA, England and several Dutch people. Many combine their visit to Panagia Soumela with a 4 or 5-day vacation, which includes guided tours and tours of the wider area”, notes Mr. Mantzios.

The president of the Imathia Hoteliers Association also points out that, traditionally, a large group from America also visits the area. This is a large community, which organizes a pilgrimage to Panagia Soumela every year and this tradition has continued unabated for the last six to seven years.

"Church tourism strengthens the region with significant "injections" into the local economy, in all sectors. The entire economy is moving. Tourism is a lever for growth and is a strong asset. Furthermore, it is important that the visitors who come every year have now developed a personal relationship with the hoteliers - they see them as friends, like the American expatriates whom we, the hoteliers, know by their first names. In fact, they bring with them to Imathia every year more and more of their friends ... from abroad," concludes Mr. Mantzios.