Kefalogianni Speaks On National Strategy For Greek Tourism

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said 2014 may be an even better year for tourism but that caution is essential and the country’s  national strategy must be followed closely to reach objectives.

At an event held in Athens on 20 November, Mrs. Kefalogianni referred to Greece’s national strategy for tourism and spoke of the Tourism Ministry’s plans.

She emphasized that tourism could become a strategic pillar to exit the crisis since it could be connected to most sectors of Greece’s economy such as primary production.

“The unique products of the Greek land and thus the Greek culinary tradition and their connection with tourism, could offer significant opportunities. Villages and settlements of the country can be revitalized and of course new jobs can be created,” she said.

The tourism minister pointed out that Greece is currently investing in modern forms of tourism and she highlighted the initiatives taken in this direction.

She specifically mentioned Law 4179 that was passed this past summer and “resolves chronic issues of the tourism industry and introduces new innovative tourism products.”

Mrs. Kefalogianni referred an awaited action plan – to be drawn up by a group set up by the ministry – on the optimal use of EU funds from the Contract/Partnership Agreement 2014-2020 (new NSRF).

She added that the ministry aims to develop a targeted communication strategy to improve Greece’s image abroad and effectively promote the uniqueness of Greek destinations.

In conclusion the tourism minister underlined that “the State must support entrepreneurship, to make it attractive for young entrepreneurs.”