Kefalogianni Briefs Foreign Press On Tourism Priorities Under Greece’s Presidency

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni

“Greece is a perfectly safe country for all visitors,” Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told foreign journalists covering EU affairs, during a press conference on 9 January held at the Zappeion Megaron in Athens. The press conference was held to inform the foreign press on the tourism priorities under Greece’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In regards to tourism, the Greek Presidency will mainly focus on the initiative of the European Commission to set up an EU Strategy on the “Challenges and Opportunities for Maritime and Coastal Tourism in the EU” with the aim to promote sustainable economic growth and enhance the overall competitiveness of the maritime and coastal tourism sector.

Mrs. Kefalogianni spoke of the importance of marine and cruise tourism for the Greek and European economy and announced that the Tourism Ministry would hold a relevant conference on 10 and 11 March.

The tourism minister also noted that the Greek Presidency would place special emphasis on improving the visa regime for citizens of third countries for European travel. In mid-March the European Commission is expected to examine a series of proposals that focus on a simplified visa application process.

Tourism minister optimistic on Greece’s 2014 tourism season

While answering questions of the foreign press, the tourism minister said that an increase in tourist arrivals is expected this year, according to early bookings.

Mrs. Kefalogianni underlined that the ministry’s main effort is to promote Greece as an all year around tourism destination.

For more on the tourism priorities under Greece’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, press here.