MaltaEU2017: Greek Tourism Discussed at European Ministerial Conference

The need for new collaborations and common policies in order for European destinations to increase their share in the global tourism market, was underlined by Greek Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Georgios Tziallas during the European Ministerial Conference on Tourism, which recently took place in Valletta within the framework of Malta’s EU presidency.

Speaking to an audience of European officials, Tziallas referred to Europe’s competitiveness and underlined the need to attract visitors from faraway countries but also to support domestic tourism.

During his speech he presented the Greek Tourism Ministry’s policies regarding short-term rentals and online platforms, safety and crisis management, tourism education and employment. He said the extension of the tourism season and the development of special forms of tourism were essential for the growth of the tourism sector in Europe.

UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai

Furthermore, he underlined the opportunities that arise from the development of new partnerships in tourism and from the industry’s interconnection with other sectors of the economy, including technology and primary production.

Tziallas also presented Greece’s tourism policy, noting that it was in line with the goals set by the majority of the European countries.

The Ministerial Conference on Tourism took place on May 25-26 in the presence of the UN World Tourism Organization secretary general Taleb Rifai, European and local officials.