WTM 2016: SETE Chief Says Sectors Can Work with Tourism to Boost Greek Economy

Greek Tourism Confederation President Andreas Andreadis at WTM London 2016.

Tourism can contribute to further growth and play a crucial role in restoring the Greek economy by involving other sectors, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Andreas Andreadis said on Monday, ahead of the World Travel Market held in London this week.

“We must return to growth in 2017 by tapping into and maximizing the interaction between Greek tourism with other sectors of the Greek economy,” Andreadis said adding that “Greek tourism is able to draw in the primary sector, manufacturing, construction and industry, further increasing the benefits for local economies, communities and employment”.

Andreadis added that “spearheaded by Greek tourism, Greece can evolve into an international services supplier”.

With regard to 2017, the SETE chief said the signs were positive with pre-bookings by UK travelers slightly higher than last year, citing the instability in the wider region.

Andreadis was quick to underline that in no way is the current available data enough to make safe forecasts, adding that the over-taxation of the sector has negatively affected outcomes. Andreadis called on the government and all stakeholders to find the right balance to ensure that the Greek tourist product remains competitive and this, he said, can only be achieved through lower taxation, strict market regulation for short-term rentals,  resolving the issue of non-performing loans and returning to liquidity. Adding, on a final note, that effectively dealing with the refugee crisis is of utmost importance.