Key Tourism Figures 2019: George Vernicos, President, Economic and Social Council of Greece

As Greece comes out of the crisis and returns to regularity, we must make every effort to establish our country as a top-level global destination

While Greece is entering a new era, tourism is a key feature for the economic growth and promotion of the country. For another summer our country became a reference point for millions of travelers from all around the world.

In regards to the British market specifically, it was encouraging for us that tourists from the United Kingdom to Greece continue to increase, according to figures of the first eight months of 2019, compared to the same period of 2018.

We estimate that the total growth from the UK will be 35,000 more visitors, which represents an increase of 1 percent.

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George Vernicos, President Economic and Social Council of Greece

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…The message that I wish to convey is that the 2020 season will definitely not be easy as the competition among Mediterranean destinations is expected to thrive….

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The contribution of tourism to the GNP (gross national product) is expected to exceed 43 billion euros in 2021, while employment in the tourism sector is expected to reach one million job positions the same year, according to Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) figures. At the same time, public and private investments are expected to reach 6.5 billion euros by the end of 2021.

Today, as Greece comes out of the crisis and returns to regularity, we must make every effort to establish our country as a top-level global destination – a destination that is ideal, not only for summer vacations, but also for spring and autumn city breaks and cultural trips.

All Greek stakeholders and policymakers engaged in the tourism and travel industry must try harder to promote the dialogue to raise the level of offered services and “repackage” the Greek tourism product, which means to include new unique destinations and experiences all year round.

The message that I wish to convey is that the 2020 season will definitely not be easy as the competition among Mediterranean destinations is expected to thrive.

Perhaps now is the time to shift our attention not to a new record of arrivals but to the quality, loyalty and the spending capacity of our foreign visitors.