Minister Kikilias: Investments Next Step for Greece Tourism Growth
Greek tourism may have managed to cover lost ground during the Covid-19 pandemic but in order to keep up the momentum it is vital to formulate a far-reaching strategy for the next decade, said Vassilis Kikilias in an editorial published in Real News.
Kikilias went on to add that tourism has been a driving force of the Greek economy in the toughest of times, but acknowledging its resilience is not enough. Stakeholders must work together to initially identify the needs of the changing times and new visitor demands, and then to create the quality product for these.
In this direction, the minister underlined the importance of effectively channeling significant funding through the EU and national resilience tools that together with investments will give impetus to the sector to become stronger and to adapt to the new digital era.
Sustainable tourism development, outwardness and extending the tourism season are the priorities of the ministry’s strategy, he said, adding that more will be done to promote mainland Greece and remote, lesser-known regions, and genuine experiences.
To achieve this, Kikilias urges the collaboration of all relevant ministries and organizations while at the same time, noting that reforms are being made to simplify investments and their implementation, and adding that incentives will be introduced to attract investor interest.
Key areas to be promoted are investments in the creation of integrated forms of tourist accommodation or expansion and modernization projects with the ultimate goal of upgrading the quality of the tourist product.
At the same time, Kikilias also underlined the need to safeguard the country’s tourism product and the authenticity of experiences on offer.
“The Greek tourist product brand is one of the strongest in the world; one of the most recognizable in quality. It is therefore necessary to mobilize all stakeholders in tourism, culture, trade so as to convert our advantages into better tourism, higher revenues and more jobs,” he said.
Until Greece opens all year round nothing will come of this for sure.