Greece’s Blue Flag Success Highlights Importance of Sustainable Tourism

In response to Greece’s excellent performance yet again for its beaches ranking second in the world in the prestigious Blue Flag program, Greece’s new tourism minister, Thanasis Theocharopoulos, underlined the importance of working to ensure growth and sustainability go hand in hand.

A total of 515 beaches, 15 marinas and four sustainable tourism boats in Greece, were named among the world’s best, ranked second on the 2019 Blue Flag Quality Award list among 47 countries.

Greek Tourism Minister Thanasis Theocharopoulos

Speaking at a special Athens event for the Blue Flag award on Tuesday, Theocharopoulos stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure that will safeguard the country’s natural resources while at the same time pave the way for regulated growth.

“The Blue Flag program fosters environmental awareness, promotes Greek tourism, and requires close cooperation between all parties involved in the effective management of tourism, the growing demand and the increasing competition,” said Theocharopoulos, who stepped in earlier this month replacing his predecessor Elena Kountoura.

Citing recent research, the minister went on to note that travelers are now seeking environmentally-friendly travel and accommodation options.

Theocharopoulos concluded that the tourism ministry would be working with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature to improve the quality of the tourist product.