EU Funding for Greek Alternative Tourism

The amount of EU funds for the improvement of Greek tourist services for the 2007-2013 period amounts to 118 million euros, which includes the finance of Greek alternative tourism forms, said the European Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, Gunter Verheugen, recently.

The commissioner also underlined the possibility of the development of alternative tourism operational programs for the protection of natural and cultural heritage and the promotion of small and medium enterprises.

He also reminded that the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund-Guarantee Section, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development already have offered financial support to infrastructure projects in Greece for small lodges, small museums, thematic routes and cultural events.

Mr. Verheugen made reference to the high rate of EU funds Greece absorbed for the 2000-2006 period through which a wide range of activities related to alternative forms of tourism were financed.

Specifically, during that period, the European Regional Development Fund supported Greece with 67.1 million euros in the context of its promotion as a priority tourist destination.

The financial support included the restoration of medieval castles, the formation of trekking paths and rural and eco-tourism activities.