Eurobank Event Looks Ahead to Next Day for Greek Tourism

The prospects for tourism recovery in Greece and Cyprus and the challenges the industry will face in a new environment after the Covid-19 pandemic, topped the agenda of a web panel discussion organized by Eurobank this week.

Titled  “Latest Insights & Global Trends in Tourism – Focus on Greece & Cyprus”, the event attracted the participation of over 200 Greek and Cypriot tourism stakeholders.

Eurobank has repeatedly – even in adverse conditions – demonstrated its commitment to the support of the Greek tourism sector with actions and initiatives, according to Eurobank CEO Fokion Karavias. The bank’s support includes initiating a much-needed injection of liquidity and the necessary working capital for its performing customers, as well as measures amounting to 750 million euros focused on the Greek hotel industry.

Tasos Anastasatos, Eurobank’s Group Chief Economist said a full tourism recovery to 2019 levels is expected from 2024.

Source: Eurobank

Expressing optimism for the prospects of Greek tourism, Der Touristik CEO Soren Hartmann said customers will once again “fall in love with and want to book a trip to Greece in 2021”, adding that they will do so “differently and later than before the pandemic. New competitive conditions and other cash payments require new partnerships, more flexibility as well as creativity”.

“We believe in rebuilding a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global travel ecosystem. Our mission is to power global travel for everyone, everywhere,” said Expedia Group Director Market Management Vasiliki Mavrokefalou.

On his part, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Yiannis Retsos said a clear plan was necessary to open up the market immediately “under clear preconditions for admission, bilateral state agreements, and a focus on specific markets”. 

“Our country and the Greek brand are among passengers’ first choices and this is something we can take advantage of under proper preconditions,” he said, adding that in the long run, “issues we were already discussing before the pandemic, such as the transformation of tourism in a sustainable direction and towards digitalization, are, now, more urgent than ever”.