Opportunity For Greece to Enhance Image

Tourism Development Minister Fanni-Palli Petralia recently met Jean-Claude Baumgarden, president of the World Travel and Tourism Council in Athens.

During the business meeting Mr.Baumgarden said that “tourism is flourishing around the world. This is a tremendous opportunity for a country such as Greece to improve its image and its product in order to make a middle-turn and a long-turn plan in a much improved environment during the last years.”

Mr. Baumgarden explained that this is the right moment for Greece to make strategic decisions, notably the creation of a product that will respond to the demands and the preferences of the people. He said that “Greece must be a preferred destination and that doesn’t mean only a popular destination but also a destination of first choice.” Mr. Baumgarden and Ms. Petralia discussed the plans for the development of new marinas since yachting and cruises are significant choices for visitors.

Ms. Petralia said that “Mr.Baumgarden and WTTC had conducted a special study for Greece, which we hold in our hands today. We have ensured WTTC’s president that our strategy focuses on the environment and on human resources. These two features are the strong cards of our country in the tourism industry.”

A number of associations and tourism entities from Greece were also present during the meeting, which took place in the offices of the tourism development ministry and are scheduled to take place every six months.