Greek Tourism Minister Urges Curb To Price Hikes

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni urged certain individuals working in the tourism sector to not take advantage of the country’s increase in tourist arrivals and raise prices in popular destinations.

“The moment Greek tourism is heading for a new record year, some people that work in tourism – fortunately few – are rushing to take advantage of the significant growth of the tourist flow,” Mrs. Kefalogianni said while speaking at an event of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) in Heraklio, Crete, on 12 June.

The Greek tourism minister’s reference to the subject follows the recent communication between Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and SETE President Andreas Andreadis in regards to the need to combat sudden price hikes observed on some of the country’s popular island destinations.

The tourism minister advised the sector’s professionals to protect Greek tourism with calmness, good judgement and seriousness.

She underlined that Greece’s current reputation and identity – that has gradually formed after much effort – should not be a “product of exploitation” by a handful of people looking to make a quick profit.

“We succeeded to reduce prices during the difficult years of the crisis and correct the mistakes that got us out of competition. This effort must not go to waste,” Mrs. Kefalogianni stressed.

On his part, SETE’s president acknowledged that – due to high demand – some cases of profiteering have been noticed at Greek tourist spots. He underlined the need for the Greek tourist product to be protected from “bad professionals.”