Panos Livadas, Secretary General Greek National Tourism Organization

Official Tourism Message

Greece is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations and its Brand Identity remains among the strongest in the world. The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), following the current global trends, strives to promote this authentic brand, in the ever-changing global environment, by all suitable means.

Official estimations show that 2015 is a new record year as approximately 26 million people from around the globe chose Greece to be their “home away from home”. Both traditional and emerging markets played a significant role to this increase, while the revenues generated from tourism will reach 15 billion euros in total, increasing thus the contribution of tourism at 20% of the country’s GDP.

These new records, along with the constructive legislative initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism are a significant boost of confidence for Greece and give us the power and inspiration to work harder. GNTO’s strategic shift in the communication policy towards the web, the online providers and the social media are playing a crucial role, while at the same time we have started moving away from the seasonality of the Greek product, as the demand for the shoulder months is growing.

GNTO’s participation in WTM 2015, in collaboration with our exceptional co-exhibitors from the Greek tourism private and public sector, aims to reinforce our reputation to the European and global market and sustain the competitiveness of Greece’s Brand Name. The anniversary of 100 years of Greek Tourism this year is a landmark of immense importance.

As GNTO’s Secretary General, I am committed to the common cause and I am honored to be part of a dynamic effort that aims to achieve these goals and upgrade both our Tourism product and our Brand Name.