‘Technology Essential for Greek Tourism Growth’, Minister Kountoura Talks Tech

Photo source: American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce

The Greek Tourism Ministry will use upgraded technology to ensure the best prospects for the industry’s development and this way benefit the whole country, according to Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

Speaking during the technology session of the 27th annual conference of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, which focused on the Greek economy, Minister Kountoura presented the ministry’s plans to invest in new innovative technologies to develop tourism in Greece.

visitgreece.gr

The plan, to be implemented over the 2017-2019 three-year period, will see to promote Greece and tourism entrepreneurship through a network of activities compatible with online digital tools. This will include the revamp of the tourism ministry’s and Greek National Tourism Organization’s portal (visitgreece.gr), based on updated technology for all mobile devices or computers.

The ministry will aim to support tourism activity by providing digital services to citizens and businesses. More specifically, the current registry system for tourism businesses will be redesigned and modernized.

Furthermore, the ministry is taking steps towards the codification of the current tourism legislation and simplification of licensing and operating procedures for businesses.

Plans also include the creation of a digital ultra-network for tourism (big data system) so as to gather all data relating to Greek tourism that currently is “scattered on the web”.

The minister also reminded that the Tourism Satellite Account, which will provide accurate information regarding the tourist figures of Greece, is currently under development.

Minister Kountoura added that the ministry also plans to introduce and establish digital education practices in the state tourism education schools (ASTER and ASTEK) and vocational tourism training schools (known as IEK).