Greek Tourism Minister On 2013 National Budget

Olga Kefalogianni in Greek Parliament (archive photo).

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni highlighted the great importance of tourism to the Greek economy, during her speech in Parliament yesterday, Sunday, 11 November, during the debate on the 2013 national budget that contains large spending cuts.

The 2013 austerity budget includes tax hikes, pension and salary cuts demanded by the country’s international creditors in order to unblock a vital bailout package for Greece.

Mrs. Kefalogianni characterized the 2013 national budget as “the most critical” since Greece entered the financial support mechanism and stressed the need to move ahead without hesitation.

During her speech she highlighted tourism issues and said in 2013, even with few resources, tourism could be a catalyst for the crisis in Greece.

“We can bring Greek tourism back into the global spotlight… It can be a big step out of the crisis. The country can rely on its tourism,” she noted.

The tourism minister added that tourism could become a magnet for investment while the time had come for all to realize its necessity and contribute to its development based on a development plan.

“With today’s vote we take responsibility for the image and credibility of the country abroad… Greece is doing its duty and is moving forward… But it is also time for Europe to assume its responsibilities,” she said.

“With this budget we support the critical national effort without short-sighted tactics… I ask you to say ‘yes’ to this hope, to say ‘yes’ to Greece that wins,” Mrs. Kefalogianni concluded.

On late Sunday night, a total of 167 deputies voted in favor of Greece’s 2013 national budget. The austerity budget followed a separate bill of spending cuts and tax hikes to take place over the next two years in the country that was also approved in parliament a couple of days ago.