Greece’s Regional Tourism Council Aims for Long-term Development Strategy

Ways of enhancing Greece’s competitiveness in tourism and extending the season were discussed during the first meeting of the Regional Tourism Council held in Athens on Tuesday.

An initiative of Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, the meeting was attended by governors, vice governors and representatives from the country’s 13 regions, as well as the leadership of the Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

In its aim to develop a long-term development strategy for Greek tourism, during its first meeting, the Regional Tourism Council focused on a number of issues including the lack of marine infrastructure in coastal areas and the need to develop thematic tourism forms, digitalize the country’s tourism product, and attract investments. Also discussed was the increasing migrant flows that have severely affected the North Aegean islands.

“The Regional Tourism Council wishes to coordinate efforts, develop common actions and best practices, share insight and avoid unnecessary competition between regions,” Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said during the event, also adding that the ministry’s aim is for every region to develop more destinations and attract tourism 365 days a year.

On her part, GNTO President Angela Gerekou spoke of the strong momentum of Greek tourism and stressed that cooperation, coordination and consistency should be the key elements of the Regional Tourism Council’s effort.

Ministry sets five goals for 2021-2030

Speaking during the event, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis referred to the five strategic goals set by the ministry for the 10-year period between 2021-2030.

These include:

• Promoting sustainable tourism practices
• Developing quality education and training by making major changes in tourism education
• Establishing accessible tourism for all
• Attracting new investments
• The usage of new digital tools and products

“We need a 10-year strategy so that all of us can effectively support Greece’s tourism development,” Theoharis said.

The Ministry is also promoting changes in tourism legislation. According to Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas these changes involve Greece’s spatial planning framework; tourism education and lifelong learning; and the administrative model applied in Greece’s regional tourism services.