George Nikitiadis

Fmr Deputy Minister,
Culture and Tourism Ministry

PHILOXENIA 2011 greeting.

The 27th Philoxenia finds Greek tourism in an ascendant course. The significant increase in arrivals,  as well as in revenue, shows that we are in a positive direction.

Government officials in collaboration with the country’s tourism associations are heading towards the same direction with our new strategy and new vision.

The improvement of services and competitiveness is mainly due to the businessmen and the working citizens of our country.

The first results of our efforts have already begun to appear. There is a noteworthy increase concerning new markets, such as Russia, Turkey and Israel and we are gradually recovering the share from the traditional markets of Germany, the UK, Italy, France, etc.

Nevertheless, we are only in the beginning. We are not deviating from our goals, which are to render Greece a 365 days a year destination, improve our port, marina and airport infrastructure, create sea ports, increase connectivity with the existing destinations and, since transport is part of our product, start new direct lines in close collaboration with airline companies.

The markets of India, China, Ukraine, USA, Canada and Latin America, are objectives of high priority. The upgrade of the “sun and sea” product along with City Breaks, the growth of cruise and sailing/yachting and the creation of a well organized network of big resorts and rural residences that has already been legalized, will contribute decisively to our developmental course.

All these are not a one-sided affair. It is an issue that concerns all Greek citizens and all together we can work to achieve it.

I wish every success to Philoxenia and good health and strength to all of you.