Greece is a ‘Tourism Brand’ to Invest in, Says GNTO President

Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou on Thursday informed professionals from five Arab countries of North Africa on the advantages that make Greece an ideal destination for tourism investments.

“The need for safety, contact with nature and authentic – experiential experiences, as well as the search for new, alternative and quality destinations that follow the principles of sustainable tourism development and respect the environment, are the main reasons to invest in the tourism brand of Greece,” Gerekou said while speaking during an online business meeting organized by the Arab – Hellenic Chamber.

Titled “Greece – N. Africa e-Business Gathering (Algeria – Egypt – Libya – Morocco – Tunisia): Friendship & Cooperation in the Mediterranean”, the event was held to provide communication channels between the Greek and Arab business community in order to strengthen their business relations in all areas.

Speaking during the session Surprising Greece, the GNTO’s president highlighted the investment opportunities offered in Greece and underlined that the country, in the midst of the unprecedented health crisis, managed to become known to the international community as a location of high safety, while maintaining its position as a “top of mind” attractive destination.

‘Green’ investments are a priority

Arab – Hellenic Chamber Board Member Nicholas Vlachakis and GNTO President Angela Gerekou.

“It is now clear to all of us that large tourism investments that base their policy on sustainability and green development, which respect the environment and the culture of the location, are priorities of the country’s new economic model,” Gerekou said and noted that more than 10 billion euros from the Recovery Fund will be allocated for public interest projects and for the implementation of 16 emblematic “green” investments and digital upgrades in the tourism sector as well.

According to Gerekou, these projects include the national reforestation plan, direct investments for the protection of biodiversity, the drafting of urban plans throughout the country, in combination with the implementation of important strategic urban regeneration plans but also investments in wastewater treatment projects, circular economy and water supply.

With regard to the tourism sector specifically, Gerekou informed the Arab businessmen that mega tourism projects that strictly adhere to the standards of sustainable development are currently underway in Greece.

According to the GNTO’s president, these projects highlight Greece as a high end destination, ideal for investment in luxury fractional and residential hotels.

Gerekou added that the further development of direct air connections between Greek destinations and Saudi Arabia would play a key role as they would lay the foundations for a significant increase in the tourist flow to Greece from the wider region.

She invited investors to turn their attention to the unique opportunities available in each region of Greece, with the unexplored and green hinterland, the traditional settlements and the famous local gastronomy, based on the ancient Greek diet.

“After achieving high records of mass arrivals, Greece is aiming for high level tourist audiences (high end and silver tourism, digital nomads, etc.), while its infrastructure projects for conference tourism and city breaks it is an ideal choice for large business and leisure investments, as it is one of the safest EU countries, with a trained workforce, in a key geographical area that is very accessible,” Gerekou informed.

“The motto of our campaign this year is ‘All you want is Greece’, because in Greece you can find everything. It is the land of well-being, a magical kaleidoscope of experiences, which embrace and holistically rejuvenate the body, the spirit and the soul,” she concluded.