GNTO: Sustainable Development a Priority in Greece’s Tourism Campaigns

Sustainable development is a priority for Greece that the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) will continue to promote through its tourism campaigns, according to GNTO President Angela Gerekou.

Speaking during the international online forum “Circle The Med”, Gerekou stressed the need for Greece to establish a resilient, sustainable and competitive tourism sector through policies and infrastructure that will be able to meet future challenges.

“The Mediterranean’s natural environment must – under all conditions – remain a source of prosperity for future generations. If human activities are not properly regulated and responsibly managed, they will severely damage our natural assets,” Gerekou said.

The GNTO’s president also referred to the new circumstances that have emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic. As she said, the crisis has provided people with the experience they need to tackle possible future challenges more effectively.

According to Gerekou, the challenge of transitioning to sustainability and the circular economy, especially in the tourism sector, requires more than just reducing waste.

“The creation of policies to redesign raw materials, products, sustainable production and supply chains, business models and international policy practices is a necessary condition towards that transition… The goal of us all should always be free movement and travel but the safety and protection of private data and our citizens’ health must remain our highest priority,” she underlined.

“Circle The Med” will run until November 13, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister’s Advisor on Energy issues George Kremlis, with the participation of prominent personalities from 36 countries of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

GNTO President Angela Gerekou spoke during the session titled, “MED and Sustainable Development: State of play and strategic directions”.