Minister’s World Tourism Day Message

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni

Message From Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni On The Occasion Of World Tourism Day, 27 September 2012

“World Tourism Day finds us towards the end of the tourism season, a difficult and exhausting period for professionals and employees of the sector. However, it finds us determined to reverse the situation. To once again create a strong tourism power in the country. This is not only a financial issue. Tourism is a significant development pillar of the country, but its significance goes far beyond its financial dimension. Two paths open before us. On one side is the path of the over-exploitation of the country’s land and resources. On the other side, is the path of mild growth, of development based on natural beauty, moderation and the principles of sustainability. 2012 is the year of ‘sustainable energy.’ It is an opportunity to combine tourism with the environment, quality of life and health. It is an opportunity to combine it with the protection and improvement of life. This is a literal and metaphorical significance that fills us with optimism ahead of the difficult path we still have to follow. Tourism is culture, but also education. It combines all aspects of human action -whether it involves domestic tourism or incoming tourism. It contributes to the spreading of ideas, science and the arts. We invest in that type of tourism, a type of tourism that follows moderation and respects the environment and the people. Our country has the potential to support ‘sustainable energy’ in the tourism sector. We aim for the best, possible, quality of life for everyone. I am convinced that with joint efforts we can achieve this.”