Greece Sets Up Working Group to Prepare for Next Day in Tourism

Greece is setting up a special committee to oversee the national tourism strategy for the 2021-2030 period, according to a tourism ministry decision posted on the Diavgeia website.

Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis will preside over the working group, which will consist of deputy minister responsible for the coordination of the Government work Akis Skertsos, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Yiannis Retsos, Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos, and advisor Yiannis Kremlis.

The working group will be responsible for drawing up the country’s 10-year tourism plan to focus on seven key areas.

According to reports, first on the agenda is addressing the impact of the coronavirus health crisis on tourism with proposals including VAT cuts.

Photo source: Region of Attica

More specifically, dubbed the Sustainable Tourism Accord, the national strategy will cover accessibility and interconnectedness; private infrastructure and sustainable management and development; public infrastructure and experience management; education and training of human resources; product development, marketing, and promotion; collaborative governance; and regulatory and legislative frameworks.

The aim is to improve the quality of the tourism product through the implementation of sustainability principles across the tourism chain at both destination and by tourism businesses.

Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The committee will also work on extending the tourist season, enhancing the authenticity of the travel experience, improving accessibility, as well as increasing the added value of the Greek tourist product.