Key Tourism Figures 2016: Panagiotis Tokouzis, President Greek Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Enterprises

Official Tourism Message

Greek Tourism has recorded a 6% increase in the number of international tourist arrivals this year, continuing its ambitious target for a new growth path, despite the unfavorable business environment and the economic downturn.

Managing the migration and refugee crisis was a great challenge Greek Tourism had to face. While expressing incredible generosity and solidarity to refugee flows that arrived, mainly, on the islands, Greece has successfully proved that it remains a safe tourism destination, offering visitors a genuine and tranquil holiday experience. Consequently, Greece is considered a credible pillar of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Millions of tourists as well as numerous Hollywood celebrities gave a vote of confidence to Greece’s tourism product this summer, by choosing the Greek Islands, as well as other mainland cities, for their vacation. There’s so much to see and experience in Greece, with the legendary Greek hospitality being on the top of the visitors’ glowing comments.

The well known “Zeus hospitality” is the essence of small tourism accommodations. Small tourism establishments are the shining example of providing a memorable experience to those guests seeking family atmosphere and personalized service during their holidays.

On this occasion, the international tourism fair World Travel Market of London has always acted as a barometer of the British tourist market in Greece, highlighting the latest trends of the tourism industry.

Equally, the international fair Philoxenia, in Thessaloniki, has been established as one of the leading tourism events in the country, promoting the Greek tourism product in the Balkans and the South-East Europe.

I am confident that the participation in both leading exhibitions of the tourism sector will establish further connections and new business opportunities for both visitors and exhibitors.