Greece Sea Tourism, Hotels Top Priorities for Ministry’s New Secretary General

The Greek Tourism Ministry’s Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Olympia Anastasopoulou (second from left) with Greek Professional Yacht Owners Bareboat Association (SITESAP) President Paris Loutriotis and members of the board.

Hotel issues, marine tourism, cruise travel and marina infrastructure topped the agenda of meetings between newly-appointed Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Olympia Anastasopoulou and stakeholders.

Anastasopoulou was briefed on current issues by representatives from the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX), the Greek Professional Yacht Owners Bareboat Association (SITESAP) and the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME).

POX President Grigoris Tasios updated Anastasopoulou on the impact of the Covid pandemic on the hotel sector and stressed the importance of a legal framework that would ensure the fair and smooth operation of short-term rentals.

Secretary General Olympia Anastasopoulou with Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President Grigoris Tasios.

Anastasopoulou also met with SITESAP President Paris Loutriotis who highlighted the importance of taking immediate actions to develop yachting tourism in Greece. Loutriotis reiterated the organization’s call for the creation of a new marina to be used primarily by professional boat owners in Attica. SITESAP and professional boat owner have repeatedly called on the tourism ministry to take action having also submitted a relevant study identifying the best locations for a professional marina.

Secretary General Olympia Anastasopoulou with ELIME Executive Director Dimitris Iatridis.

Lastly, Anastasopoulou met with ELIME Executive Director Dimitris Iatridis to discuss cruise tourism to Greece, and relevant issues including the enhancement of the cruise travel experience, European and Greek health protocol updates, and port policy.

Anastasopoulou said Greece had managed to successfully address the challenges created by the Covid pandemic, adding that actions were being taken to increase tourist flows in 2022. She also pledged her support and commitment to resolving the issues tabled.