Recovery Fund to Drive Greek Tourism into New Era

Alimos Marina. Photo Source: HRADF

Greece’s tourism sector stands to gain significantly once its recovery plan is passed in Brussels, and funding is released and channeled into landmark projects, including the expansion the Piraeus port cruise pier, the Alimos Marina, Hellinikon, Asteria Glyfada, and Athens Airport, which will in turn create thousands of jobs.

Tourism executives attending a panel discussion focused on tourism infrastructure in Greece at the 6th Delphi Economic Forum held recently said that forthcoming funds are a historic opportunity for Greece to upgrade and enhance its tourism offerings through a number of key investments which will also stimulate the Greek economy.

Speaking at the panel George Chryssikos, CEO Grivalia Properties, behind the luxury Amanzoe project said his company was developing a series of tourism investments over the last six years, underlining the need to be able to attract higher income visitors.

George Chryssikos, CEO of Grivalia Properties.

He went on to note that the Athenian Riviera can once it is complete double or even triple the number of tourists to Athens.

Lastly, he stressed the importance of new hotel investments focusing on sustainability and on reducing their energy footprint.

Speaking on behalf of Fraport Greece, the company managing 14 of the country’s regional airports, George Vilos underlined the key role modernized airports play in the upgrade of the tourism product as they serve as the first impression for visitors entering the country and contribute to the overall traveler experience.

George Vilos, Fraport Greece Executive Director Commercial & Business Development.

Other tourism stakeholders at the panel discussion included Dimitris Andriopoulos, CEO Dimand SA; Manolis Sigalas, vice president and CEO Southern Europe Hill International (Hellas); and Athanasios Karagianis, CIO at Prodea Investments. Karagiannis underlined the importance of advanced tourism training, particularly in family-owned hotel businesses; and the need for the simplification of licensing procedures.