SETE Calls for Ministry Coordination

Newly elected chairman of the board of directors of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Nikos Aggelopoulos (Aldemar Hotels & Spa), recently called for better coordination of tourism-related ministries and unification for the sake of sustainable tourism development in Greece at the association’s annual general assembly held recently.

The association’s chairman stressed this is necessary because tourism is the driving force behind an increase in Greece’s gross domestic product, employment, peripheral development, and income. Mr. Aggelopoulos outlined the above points in his speech in the presence of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Tourism Development Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos. SETE’s chairman asserted the need to increase the tourism development ministry’s funds and jurisdictions so that it can autonomously take action with regard to activities that other ministries consider to be low priority.

The chairman of the board also explained, “Subsidies and funds should be provided to under-developed regions for complete refurbishments and tourism investment with regard to improvement in services whilst incentives should also be given to developed regions. The zoning plan for tourism must be formed with a balance of development and protection of the environment.” The new chairman also used this opportunity to officially welcome the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) as the newest member of the association and asserted that through this unification, “We achieve a holistic representation of the tourism sector.”

SETE’s New Board of Directors