WTM 2023: Greece is Starting a New Chapter in Tourism, Says Minister
Greece will engage in new actions for tourism development based on a strategy with sustainability at its core, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Monday, on the first day of the World Travel Market (WTM) expo in London.
“A new chapter in tourism development is opening for Greece,” Kefalogianni said, speaking during a press conference held by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) at the ExCeL London expo center.
According to the minister, despite the pandemic, geopolitical situations and climate change, Greek tourism has demonstrated “remarkable resilience and resurgence” in all important fields – revenue, jobs, arrivals.
While referring to the country’s latest tourism figures, she said that Greece is on track to exceed 2019’s visitor numbers, potentially making 2023 a record year.
Arrivals to Greece in the year to August were up 18 percent year on year and tourism receipts up by 15 percent. “There are solid indications that numbers will surpass the record year of 2019,” she said.
Tourism success brings challenges, Greece to focus on sustainability
“Greece is now an established destination with global appeal. However, we recognize that success brings its own challenges and that the road ahead requires a shift in perspective as we experience the complexity of an ever-changing global landscape,” she said, underlining that the ministry is now embarking on a new chapter in tourism development.
“One that has sustainability at its core, prioritizing the balance between financial benefits and environmental and cultural protection, social cohesion and care for people in local communities,” she said.
“Focusing on all these special values will once again make Greece a protagonist in the international ranking of tourism destinations and experiences,” the minister said.
Introducing lesser-known Greek destinations to travelers
According to the minister, the main goal of the ministry and the GNTO in terms of sustainable tourism investments for 2024 include introducing lesser-known parts of Greece to disperse visitors throughout the country and encouraging travelers to visit Greece during all seasons of the year beyond the peak warmer months.
Moreover, the Kefalogianni said the ministry will also launch a pilot program and select at least four Greek destinations to become sustainable. The selected destinations will receive funding. “We hope they will set an example for other destinations,” Kefalogianni said.
In addition, she said the ministry will introduce a sustainability fund to strengthen tourism infrastructure and support sustainability initiatives.
Greece’s new strategy will also include other developments such as the modernisation of ski resorts and mountain refuges; a spotlight on Greece as a diving destination; funding to make marinas and ports more energy efficient and accessible; and initiatives to include local farm produce in the breakfast buffets of big hotels. Kefalogianni added that the ministry will promote the training of locals for tourism jobs in their communities.
During the GNTO’s press conference, the Greek minister held a discussion with ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) Head of Sustainability Carol Rose on sustainability, new trends in tourism and Greece’s position in the international tourism market of sustainable destinations.
Contacts during WTM London 2023
The minister’s agenda on the first day of WTM London 2023 included a number of meetings with leading figures from the UK’s political and tourism scenes.
Kefalogianni met with her British counterpart John Whittingdale (Minister of State Media & Data of the UK) and discussed the importance of the UK market for Greek tourism and exchanged views on drawing up a cooperation framework for the future. This was followed by a meeting with the heads of Jet2, a leading UK tour operator that is including many Greek tourism destinations in its 2024 programs.
Moreover, the Greek tourism minister met with the head of the travel organization Queer Destinations, Edgar Weggelaar. During the meeting, Kefalogianni informed Weggelaar that the promotion of political inclusion and equality with a focus on the LGBTQ community is part of Greece’s strategy to combat discrimination of any kind.
The minister also met with Cyprus’ deputy tourism minister, Costas Koumis; gave an interview to CNN’s Richard Quest; and held a meeting with the board of ABTA and discussed the new trends in tourism demand.
Kefalogianni attended the high-profile annual Ministers’ Summit organized by WTM London in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Ministers at the summit this year debated on the topic “Transforming Tourism Through Youth and Education”.
The minister also gave an interview to the British media at WTM’s International Media Center, which for the occasion had been transformed into a Greek island.
Greek stand: N3-515 & N3-210
Greece is attending WTM London 2023 represented by the GNTO at N3-515 & N3-210. The Greek stand – Visit Greece – is hosting some 100 exhibitors, including Greek destinations (regions and municipalities), airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, DMCs, associations and start-up companies.
WTM London 2023 will run until Wednesday.
The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London.
Good,but..sustainability is also there where excess room occupancy sparks clash with residents, of once affordable city centres.
Sincerely, Stuart