Key Tourism Figures 2016: Dr. Andreas A. Andreadis, President Greek Tourism Confederation

Official Tourism Message

2016 has been marked by significant obstacles and continuous upheavals. However, tourism proved once again to be the catalyst industry for our country, supporting GDP and employment. Despite the difficulties, we feel confident that we will achieve the international arrival targets we set ourselves at the beginning of the year and at least maintain last year’s revenues.

According to the most recent data, Brexit did not influence as much as expected this year’s bookings. The United Kingdom will maintain for 2016 its position as one of the top two source markets for Greece. At the same time, we will do our utmost to secure a successful 2017 by offering competitive rates and great early booking discounts to offset the unfavourable pound to euro exchange rate.

SETE remains dedicated to implementing its mission and fulfilling its role of a modern social partner. The Institute of SETE is continually implementing its projects in order to enhance the quality of the Greek tourism offering, while Marketing Greece intensified and extended its activities to promote the Greek tourism products, in collaboration with SETE’s regional offices, the Ministry of Tourism, GNTO, the Prefectures and other local tourism bodies.

We are currently at a crossroad for the future of our country. We must all take difficult decisions. The State needs to implement a series of actions in order to guarantee the sector’s further development, through maintaining and enhancing its competitiveness. Tourism professionals must forget “business as usual”, but think and act out of the box. We have to be innovative and true to the authenticity of Greece’s tourism product, while offering the best possible services.

It is our obligation to work together with all relevant stakeholders.

We remain optimistic and believe deeply that Greece’s tourism has a very bright future ahead.