New Technologies: Essential For Greek Tourism

The importance of technology for the development of Greek tourism and the widespread use of new applications were analyzed by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni on 11 March.

Speaking at a special event entitled “Intense On-line Marketing and New Tools: Challenges and Perspectives,” Mrs. Kefalogianni said the ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization invest in new technologies and digital platforms.

During her speech, the Greek tourism minister relied on expert opinions and said that communication and information technologies apply to tourism.

In a few months the country’s main tourism website – visitgreece.gr – will undergo an upgrade and include mobile marketing tools and many other innovative applications.

Mrs. Kefalogianni added that the national action plan for the development of Greek tourism places great importance on new technologies, which represent a dynamic in the promotion of the tourism product.

“Internet tools have contributed to the overall change of Greece’s image at an international level,” the tourism minister said.

She noted that the Internet influences the choice of holiday destinations of younger age groups and online-based applications are key methods for them to book a holiday.

“That fact that through the internet we are among the top destinations proves that our strategy is effective,” she said.

The event was held at the Museum of Cycladic Art and was the second day of the Greek presidency’s conference on tourism.