Greek Tourism Gains Thanks to Boosted EU Funds

Innovation, competitiveness and attracting more capital will be the targets of four new National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) programs for the 2014-2020 period, with funds for tourism getting an additional 20-million-euro injection, Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis said on Thursday, during a joint press conference with Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

The NSRF 2014-2020 program (also known as ESPA) centers on startups, the upgrade of tourism infrastructure and facilities, expanding into new markets and boosting employment opportunities for self-employed higher education graduates.

“We want to develop activities with a high added value,” said Mr Stathakis, adding that the focus now is on ensuring additional EU funding, strengthening human resources and supporting/promoting innovation.

Total funds for the four new NSRF programs for the 2014-2020 period add up to 370 million euros with 70 million euros aimed to strengthen SMEs and micro tourism enterprises.

“We’ve heard the suggestions and needs of the the sector and have seen an increase in the budget for tourism,” Mrs Kountoura said of the new programs, which will give tourism a much-needed boost, she added.

The NSRF program for tourism is aimed at strengthening the investment projects of existing SMEs and micro tourism enterprises in Greece, to modernize their infrastructure and operation, assist in their  qualitative improvement and upgrade and certify their offered products and services to improve their position in the domestic and international tourism market.

For further details on the NSRF program for tourism infrastructure and facilities, press here (in Greek).