Konstantinos Brentanos

President,
Hellenic Federation of Rented Rooms and Apartments

PHILOXENIA 2011 greeting.

Philoxenia was for many years and still remains the place to meet and exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues, business associates and companions on this difficult road known as “Greek Tourism.”

Acclaimed as a tradition, Philoxenia every year proves to us that tourism is and remains the driving force of the Greek economy, especially this year while our country is in a difficult position due to economic circumstances.

The year 2011 marked the beginning of a new upward trend for our tourism and we all wish to ourselves that Greek tourism will experience only “clear skies.” Moreover, in light of the negative conjuncture, it was proven that tourism is the only sector that can act as an “antidote” to the “toxicity” of the recession.

But the term “Greek Tourism” contains a wide range of products and by-products. It should not be limited or focused excessively on one or two occupational categories and sectors.

Tourism is not only five-star hotels and luxury resorts, for which no one denies their important role on the final image and configuration of the country’s tourism product.

Let us not forget that the “first ingredient” of the structure named “Greek Tourism” were and still are small, family-run rooms-to-let.

Approximately 45,000 businesses, that cover the needs of a diverse group of visitors—not of lower level—that seek the family and personal care that this kind of accommodation offers guests.

We invite the State to actually support the rooms-to-let sector and offer our businesses the chance for equal opportunities and permit us more development projects.

With these thoughts, I wish a good and beneficial Philoxenia for all of us.