GNTO Spending Cuts Affect Offices Abroad

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) saved some 62 million euros last year as its operating expenses in 2010 were reduced by 36.85 percent compared to the year before, according to an announcement the organization made last month.

According to the GNTO, rent costs were reduced by 17.3 percent, transportation costs by 49.59 percent, public relations costs by 62.07 percent and regional tourism services costs by 36.15 percent.

At present, the organization is in the process of shutting down nine of its offices abroad (Toronto, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Zurich, Rome, Shanghai, Berlin, Munich and Hamburg) following a restructuring plan of the Culture and Tourism Ministry that aims to a more efficient management of funds.

In regards to some of the remaining GNTO offices abroad, the organization announced that solutions were being sought to further cut costs, such as high rent. Solutions include the relocation of its offices in China (Beijing), Australia, US, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania.

The GNTO highlighted that important debts to media outlets abroad were paid off last year based on a commitment made by the organization’s president, Nicolas Kanellopoulos.