Linking Tourism with Trade Key for Market, Says Greek Commerce Body

Photo source: athensattica.com

The need to implement actions that will link trade with tourism flows topped the agenda of talks between Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis and Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) President George Karanikas.

Karanikas presented the minister with recommendations aimed at channelling the strong tourism dynamic towards stimulating retail trade.

Among others, ESEE is calling on the ministry to support a series of actions including the implementation of the Open Trade Centers idea, the expansion of the “Honored Country” initiative as well as the promotion of the “Greece in Your Home” project aiming to boost local products.

The proposals, Karanikas said “will help accelerate the development of retail trade, which in turn will contribute decisively to the upgrade of the tourism product”.

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis and Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) President George Karanikas.

In the meantime, ESEE will be carrying out a study for the 2019-2022 period with the goal to identify the share of tourism spending that can go toward trade. According to a Commerce and Services Institute (INEMY) study carried out last year, retail trade has not been able to benefit from the rise in Greek tourist arrivals with the relevant index lagging behind.

“Tourism and commerce have a lot of room for growth through synergies,” said Karanikas, adding that “tourists, both Greek and foreign, should be given the opportunity to become acquainted with local products in the areas they visit and to do their shopping in the retail markets.”