Minister Aiming for All Greek Destinations to Welcome Tourists

The Tourism Ministry has been working closely with Greece’s regional authorities in order to come up with ways that will enable destinations to reopen and welcome tourists as soon as the COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

“Our aim is to reopen all destinations,” Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said on Thursday, during a video conference he held with the members of the Regional Tourism Council, which includes representatives from the country’s 13 regions.

Theoharis informed the council on the latest developments in Greece and abroad, as well as on the measures and protocols to be announced in Greece for the tourism sector’s restart.

The ministry is currently working on a five-step plan for Greek tourism, that includes health protocols, measures to financially support businesses, Greece’s diplomatic cooperation with other countries such as Israel and Cyprus, a marketing strategy that includes promotional activities and material for tour operators and airlines, as well as actions to enhance domestic tourism through the country’s social tourism program.

Theoharis also presented the ministry’s policy to approach major tourism markets in Western Europe and the United States. As part of this policy, the minister said that he has been speaking to major international media, during the last few weeks, about Greece’s plans to receive visitors.

In addition, the ministry recently said it would launch a new special campaign in efforts to promote the country as a safe destination and attract the interest of potential foreign holidaymakers.

According to the Greek government, if all goes well, Greece should be open for tourists in July.

The meeting was attended by South Aegean Governor George Hatzimarkos, Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Crete Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis and Attica Governor George Patoulis, among others.