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New Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias Takes the Helm

Greek Tourism ministers Harry Theoharis, Vassilis Kikilias

Vassilis Kikilias (L) took over his new post from Harry Theoharis (R) during the Tourism Ministry handover ceremony held on Tuesday in Athens.

Greece’s new minister of tourism, Vassilis Kikilias, assumed his duties on Tuesday and expressed his intention to continue “what has been built so far” for the sector in order to create a new Greek tourism product for the country.

During the tourism ministry handover ceremony in Athens, the new tourism minister who previously served as the health minister, paid tribute to outgoing tourism minister Harry Theoharis.

“Harry Theoharis faced unprecedented challenges. I know very well the difficulties he faced due to the pandemic. Together we fought a huge battle for the country’s heavy industry,” Kikilias said, referring to the close cooperation between the two ministries since the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in 2020.

On his part, Theoharis admitted that leaving the ministry was not easy for him and he referred to the progress of Greek tourism, which, even during the pandemic, managed to be at the top of tourism destinations worldwide.

“I feel honored and proud because Mr. Mitsotakis placed his trust in me during the most difficult time for the industry and nevertheless results are excellent,” Theoharis said, adding that he and his team were committed to a different vision for tourism in terms of sustainability.

“The year 2019 ended with a 13 percent increase in tourist revenue per month and 2020 saw a 20 percent increase in the first months… and then Covid-19 appeared” the outgoing minister said.

“I want to believe that I am handing over a ministry that is in a better state than what I had received,” he said and referred to his legislative interventions for the sector which include plans to establish Destination Marketing & Management Organizations (DMMOs) and a National Observatory for Sustainable Tourism Development.

Among other things, during his tenure Theoharis and his team established a framework for the development of special forms of tourism (such as diving, health and wellness tourism), launched a certification seal for businesses in Greece that offer ‘glamping’ accommodation among their services and made efforts to strengthen domestic tourism.

“The interest (of Greeks) in participating in the “Tourism for All” program exceeded all expectations and offered very important support to businesses,” he said.

Theoharis added that during his tenure the ministry rebuilt Greece’s image on other bases, through the digitalization of the the Greek National Tourism Organization’s (GNTO) services as well as through innovative advertising programs and attracting film productions to the country.

“In terms of safety (in handling the pandemic), it is not coincidental that we were asked from abroad to provide know-how,” he said and referred to Greece receiving the Global Champion Award for Covid-19 Crisis Management from the WTTC, which consolidated the country’s international position.

Also, during Theoharis’ tenure, Greece was re-elected to serve as Chair of the UNWTO Commission for Europe for the 2021-2023 period.

Theoharis is leaving the ministry after Greece in July and August managed to attract more than 2 million tourists – a figure that raises hopes for an extended tourist season.

This year so far we have received over 6 million visitors, the average expenditure per guest has increased and the forecasts for the immediate future are more than optimistic,” the outgoing minister said.

“I am handing over brand ‘Greece’ which is now stronger than ever,” Theoharis said to the country’s new tourism minister.

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About the Author
Nikos is Greek-American born in New York, USA, and has lived in Greece for over 30 years. He is the managing editor of Greece's leading monthly travel and tourism guide, the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) since June 2008 and of news site GTP Headlines since its launch in September 2012. Nikos has also served as international press officer for the City of Athens and for the mayor. He has a degree in Mass Media and Communications, specializing in Journalism. Nikos is a native English speaker and speaks Greek fluently.
  1. Margaret Pettit Reply

    Margaret A Pettit PGDip London
    Really sad to see Mr Theoharis move but we welcome Mr Kikilias, indeed. Am a consultant in a group involved in sustainable tourism and especially health. Greece has it all!

  2. James G Tappan MD Reply

    Why is Mr. Theoharis departing the Tourism Ministry after such a successful tenure, and where will he apply his broad experience, leadership skills, and enthusiam in the future? Thank you, Mr. Theoharis, for your service!

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