Op-Ed: ‘The Strongest Message that Needs to be Sent Out is that Greece is a Safe destination’ – Aris Marinis

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) has provided a podium for Greece’s key tourism figures to share their vision for the day after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic crisis has been a significant shock to us all, both tourists and professionals. The tourism industry globally has entered a new era during which the safety of travelers will play the most significant role. As such, during the current and the forthcoming years, travelers around the world are expected to “avoid” the massive tourist activities and look forward to more unique, personalized experiences.

There has definitely been a trend towards health and wellbeing during the last decade, combined with environmental concerns, which is now stronger than ever before. Sustainability, respect and adjustment to the local culture and society and technological efficiency are ideas that will dominate tourism in the years to come.

For the sector of travel agencies and coaches the challenges are plenty, as the massive, standardized services belong to the past. Organized excursions and group travelling will still remain popular but in a different way, more inspired and unique, adjusted to customer needs.

So the need for a travel consultant is expected to rise in order to cover customer wishes, mainly through digitalized services using apps or internet, the whole year around.

The strongest message that needs to be sent to the global audience is that Greece is a safe destination, with professionals, staff and a satisfying percent of the population vaccinated for Covid-19.

For the years to come, the country should invest in the diversity of the experiences that it can offer, its natural beauty, cultural and spiritual events of the local communities, wellbeing services and alternative tourism activities.

Additional efforts must be given to the promotion of Greece as a health tourism destination – in its widest definition – as well as a destination that promotes sustainability, environmental protection, e-mobility and energy independence.”

* This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) annual printed edition for 2021. Press here for more information.