WTD 2021: Greece Says ‘Thank You’ to Those Supporting the Tourism Industry – Video

“Today is an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved, but above all to think about the next day of the most important productive activity of our country.” – GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis

On the occasion of World Tourism Day (WTD) 2021 on September 27 the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) released a video in which it expresses its gratitude to the people keeping the tourism industry alive.

“With teamwork and hard work we managed to keep our tourism industry afloat in the crisis,” GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis said in an announcement.

Highlighting that World Tourism Day is being celebrated for the second year in a row with the international tourism industry facing “the worst and longest-running crisis in its history” that led to losses in income and jobs, Fragakis referred to Greece’s support program which from the first months of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, boosted business liquidity and supported thousands of the industry’s workers.

“Especially this year, with a coherent plan and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we managed to open the tourism season and operate safely, which was also our main goal,” he said, adding that Greece achieved a much better season than last year in both arrivals and revenue.

However, the GNTO’s secretary general, stressed that Greece is still up against challenges.

“The full recovery of our tourism must go hand in hand with structural changes and reinforcement of the product and destinations, with sustainability at the forefront,” Fragakis stressed.

“Today is an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved, but above all to think about the next day of the most important productive activity of our country.”

Celebrated worldwide since 1980 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Tourism Day is commemorated annually on September 27. This year’s topic, as announced by the UNWTO, is focused on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” and invites all to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.