Greece’s Prime Minister Supports Tourism Sector

Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressed a personal interest in Greece’s vital tourism industry at a recent inner cabinet meeting and said he would attend the next session of the national tourism council. Development Minister Evangelos Venizelos relayed the premier’s intentions at a press call and he pointed out that the calling of general elections on April 9 had cleared the political horizon.

Mr. Venizelos stated the government was full of praise for the recent initiatives the development ministry and the Hellenic Tourism Organisation has undertaken. “We have the support of the cabinet and the PM himself,” he said.

Prime Minister Simitis’ attendance at the sixth meeting of the tourism council gives him the opportunity to have direct contact with representatives from the entire industry, said Mr. Venizelos, and added that: “The council is a useful body which deals with all tourism issues. It has met with much success, the most recent being the formulation of a “key” rating system for rented room accommodation.”

A second proposal relating to hotels, based on the international star rating system, is also due to be finalised shortly. Mr.Venizelos said the aim was for both systems to be passed into law before the elections. As well, the council intends to present a fully upgraded Hellenic Tourism Organization Internet website at the upcoming session.