Claire Zerzivili, President Aktina Travel Group

Official Tourism Message

Amid the challenging financial situation of this year and despite the imposition of capital controls, Greek tourism has not only beared the pressure, but has exhibited noticeable growth, which is undeniably a very encouraging factor. However,it is time that we focus on the qualitative aspects of inbound tourism and continue capitalizing on the country’s natural beauty and its’ citizens’ hospitable DNA, since, with only a few exceptions across Greece,tourism numbers do not correspond with tourism consumption or expenditure. As a result, Greece needs to take important steps to maintain its prime positioning in the general south-eastern Mediterranean region, an area which is becoming increasingly competitive. We are in great need of serious investments in infrastructure (e.g. regional airports, marinas) as well a sour services, in order to be able provide a state-of-the art competitive tourism product.

In addition we need to welcome other types of tourism such as business tourism and winter tourism. I cannot imagine a more ideal -geographically wise- destination for exhibitions, conferences and winter sports than Greece a country lying at the cross roads between East and West.

All the above however require that tourism will be established as a main priority issue, isolated from political changes. It is of paramount importance that scientific, comprehensive and long-term national strategy for tourism be agreed by all political powers, local government, private sector and professional entities.A strategy that will be enforced regardless of the party in power and which will utilize our country’s vast possibilities. Such an agreement,”modus operandi”, in combination with a purposeful and effective management of tourism enterprises, can contribute to the genuine growth of Greek tourism. In this framework, Aktina Travel Group, Greece’s leading travel organization, will continue to act as a trusted partner of Greek tourism and will support initiatives for the further development and success of the Greek tourism product.