A note by the publisher

On January 1, Greece takes over the presidency of the European Union for six months. For the tourism sector this should mean an opportunity to place the country’s most important ‘industry,’ tourism, on the top of almost every agenda. And there is no doubt it will be. But what will it mean?

The development minister last month announced that “the aim of the Greek presidency is, together with the Commission, to promote a European policy for tourism….and support as a basic direction an increase in competitiveness and productivity through the use of technology with the parallel aim to serve citizens and consumers.”

We seem to be able to come up with great words and ideas, but that is all. As an example of how absurd the above statement is for Greece, take a look at the Hellenic Tourism Organization. A seasoned tourism specialist recently compared the organization and its management with the building it’s housed in — old, decrepit and supported from every angle with makeshift scaffolding. But there is a difference. The building is being remolded and completely renovated, the tourism organization and its management remains old and stagnant, unable to proceed with change.

Its management has shown its incompetence at every turn of a corner. For example, after more than a decade of discussions, studies and whatever, we still do not have a star system for the hotel industry. And what about our conference and congress center, or even our conference and visitors’ bureau? All are still but ideas roaming around empty corridors trying to find a place to take root.

And if that’s not enough, the most vital job of any tourism organization, the promotion of Greece as a tourism destination, is anything but successful. A campaign has never gotten off the ground on time, has never had the funds required and lacks marketing plans. Never mind that the organization does not even have ample tourism brochures, or information booths, for the visitors that do come here.

Who is to blame for this and the country’s distasteful tourism infrastructure — we have unique and exquisite sites and resorts, but to get to them you have to travel on early 20th century roadways?

Day in and day out we hear garble on what should and must be done. Meanwhile, our house is in shambles and our backyard remains cluttered, yet we insist on improving European Union tourism.

“Αιδώς Αργείοι!” (Shame Argives!)