Tourism Ministry Pledges Funding for Thessaloniki Tourism Projects

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias met with Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas this week to discuss funding programs for infrastructure projects that will contribute to the city’s tourism development.

More specifically, the tourism ministry said it will be providing 1,085,000 euros for studies concerning the regeneration of the Aristotle axis and the extension of the coastal area of the Old Beach of Thessaloniki, and 765,000 euros for studies covering the implementation of interventions related to sustainable urban mobility projects, including the creation of a bicycle path, the overhaul of public space, and the organization vehicle parking. 

Kikilias said the ministry would also support Thessaloniki infrastructure projects concerning cruise travel in view of an excepted three-fold increase in cruise ship arrivals next year. The northern port city is aiming to kick off the cruise season on March 6.

He also said that Thessaloniki will be promoted through the ministry’s campaigns after being named by UNESCO a “City of Gastronomy and will be able to participate at international fairs with its own stand together with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

Kikilias expressed his confidence that through investments made by hotel enterprises and upgrades at restaurants and F&B establishments, Thessaloniki’s tourism product will enter a new era. He said the ministry would be supporting hoteliers and stressed the need to further increase vaccination in order to welcome visitors next year in health and safety.