Tourism Minister Pledges to Tackle Lost Revenue, Push for Growth

Greek Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism Giorgos Stathakis. (Archive photo)

Mapping out a uniform and all-encompassing national strategy that will maximize the benefits and lay the groundwork for further development in tourism are at the top of the ministry’s agenda for the coming months, Tourism Minister Giorgos Stathakis told the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) conference this week.

Speaking at SETE’s 14th annual convention, the minister referred to the successful policies that have contributed to making tourism one of the most productive sectors in Greece, and added that the new legislation for development as well as the National Strategic Reference Framework funds (NSRF), particularly those announced last week for the 2014-2020 period aimed at SMEs in tourism, will be used to upgrade existing infrastructure and attract new investments.

Mr Stathakis reiterated the government’s priorities with regard to tourism including establishing Greece as a year-round destination, opening up to new markets, attracting higher income travelers, tapping into alternative and novel forms of tourism and further promoting Greece’s natural offerings.

The minister added that it is vital the government address the issue of tax evasion and lost revenue perpetuated by a ubiquitous black economy and that sharing economy practices are welcome as long as there is respect of the law thus allowing fair play and competitiveness.