Hoteliers: Sustainable Hospitality a Priority for Greek Tourism

HCH President Alexandros Vassilikos with Tourism Minister Vasilis Kikilias.

Sustainable hospitality should be at the center of all tourism services offered in the post-Covid-19 era, said the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos after a meeting this week with Greek Tourism Minister Vasilis Kikilias.

The minister met with board members of the chamber and was briefed on the issues affecting the sector as well as ways to cover lost ground due to Covid.

Vassilikos underlined the importance of distinguishing between the needs of year-round hotels in the city and in the mountainous regions of the country. Given the uncertainty in the global tourism market, he said, businesses in need should be able to have access to government support.

The chamber’s president also called for a long-term plan that will focus on sustainability, digital transformation, quality, new infrastructure and upskilling.

“This guidance,” said Vassilikos is “fully in line with the priorities of the European economy as reflected in the objectives of the Recovery Fund and of the National ‘Greece 2.0’ recovery plan.”

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos, Greek Tourism Minister Vasilis Kikilias and Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Managing Director Agni Christidou.

Lastly, noting the hospitality sector’s role in the community, Vassilikos referred to an HCH initiative aimed at assisting hotels meet sustainable goals and the new “HOTELS FOR” program set up in collaboration with the tourism ministry to be responsible for social responsibility initiatives, supporting those in need, and promoting the goals of sustainable development.

“Greek tourism professionals, in particular Greek hoteliers of large or small units are the ones who create jobs and income over time, they drive the economy and generate growth for the country,” said Kikilias.

The minister pledged to support hoteliers with promotional actions as well as funding for hotel upgrades and modernization.

“Greek hospitality, the uniqueness of the tourism product, and our strong brand name are the foundations on which we will be able to attract more quality tourism all year round,” he said.