Key Tourism Figures 2019: Yiannis A. Retsos, President, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE)

We have entered an era of tourism maturity after the long period of tourism growth in Greece

“Being outward-looking and committed to synergies and sustainable development” are among SETE’s key strategic goals, as we enter an era of tourism maturity after the long period of tourism growth in the country.

Tourism’s direct contribution to Greece’s GDP for 2018 amounted to 11.7% or 21.6 billion euros, while its contribution to employment amounted to 9.4%, reaching 8.7% of full time and 16.7% of part time employment.

Since the beginning of the crisis up to 2018, direct revenue from tourism is estimated at 125 billion euros.

During the same period about 230 million people visited our country, gaining a positive experience that has been confirmed by recent studies.

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Yiannis A. Retsos, President Greek Tourism Confederation

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…We can now plan the next new cycle of long-term growth for the 2020s, with mutual benefits for visitors and Greek society…

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Indicatively, the Greek tourism product consistently outperforms the main criteria for satisfying visitors compared to competitive destinations in Southern Europe.

The friendliness of the locals, the accommodation experience, the feeling of security and safety, our gastronomy and the beauty of landscapes gained a high score in absolute and competitive terms.

Our objective now is to embark on a new period of maturity.

We can now plan the next new cycle of long-term growth for the 2020s, with mutual benefits for visitors and Greek society, by proper destination-management and an overall improvement of infrastructure, as well as constantly enhancing the quality and elements of the Greek tourism experience.