Kikilias: New Promo Campaign for Greece to Focus on Sustainable Tourism

The next day for Greece’s tourism industry can only focus on sustainability and non-polluting practices that will reduce the country’s ecological footprint, said Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias during the “My Green Mobility 2022” forum held in Athens this week.

The goal, said Kikilias, was “to implement a model of sustainable development that will preserve the authenticity and unique characteristics of every corner of Greece”.

At the same time, reflecting the importance the ministry gives to the sector’s green transition, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) will be launching a new campaign with environmental protection, smart mobility, slashing gas emissions, reducing the use of plastics, as its main themes. More on the campaign will be announced in the coming period, he said.

“Greece is a frontrunner in the acceleration of the green transition which was made possible thanks to innovative policies, a suitable institutional framework, and partnerships between the public and private sectors,” he said, referring to three groundbreaking initiatives: the Astypalea E-mobility Project, the launch of the GR-eco Islands on Chalki, and the Tilos project.

Implementing “greener” policies, investing in the circular economy and in digital transformation, enhancing infrastructure projects are the next steps for the development of “Brand name Greece”, he said.

Kikilias underlined the importance of transitioning to a sustainable tourism development model, which he said, will create quality jobs, generate revenues, attract investors and lay the foundations for a better future for the next generations.

“During this critical juncture globally, the shift to policies with well-defined sustainable characteristics is the only way to go. And this effort concerns us all,” he said.