Minister On Tourism Policy For 2011

A draft bill that will simplify procedures of Greek tourism investments will be promoted by the Culture and Tourism Ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos said last month.

In a briefing to Greek journalists Mr. Geroulanos said several investment programs of the Tourism Development Company (ETA) would be implemented through the Fast Track Investment law. (The law allows long-delayed investments to be completed in a very short period of time.)

In regards to the drafting of the special zoning plan for tourism in mid-2011, the minister said there would be a revision in regards to the conditions for the development of tourist accommodation without the need for the existence of hotel units.

As for Greece’s promotional campaign, he mentioned that once again it would run via the Internet.

During 2011 the GNTO is scheduled to participate in 69 international tourism exhibitions but with a 40 percent budget cut compared with 2010.

In addition, Greek press reports said the Culture and Tourism Ministry will soon announce which of the 28 offices and branches it operates abroad will close.