Greece to Channel €310m in Recovery Funds into Tourism Upgrade

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis. Photo source: htheoharis.gr

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis announced that a total of 310 million euros in Recovery Funds will be channeled into sustainable tourism development, diversified products, and boosting competitiveness.

The resources will contribute to the sector’s speedy recovery in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Speaking to Kefalaio newspaper, Theoharis said the ministry will be directing financial support into two key areas: 260 million euros in development projects and 50 million euros in education, training, and upskilling of sector professionals and employees.

Recovery funding “provides the necessary impetus, offering the first critical stimulus for a speedier restart of Greek tourism and for the recovery of lost ground due to the health crisis,” said Theoharis.

Greece is aiming for the best possible absorption of the EU resources which are focused on the best and most effective promotion of Greece as a global tourism brand.

Top priorities include “blue” projects in marine tourism aimed at attracting high-income travelers and “green” actions such as the creation of outdoor activities which will contribute to the extension of the tourism season and the promotion of new destinations.

EU funds will also go into modernization projects, including spa, mountain, diving, and gastronomy/agro tourism, all of which have remained unexploited.

“The utilization of emergency financial support from the Recovery Fund is a first-class opportunity to showcase neglected – or, at least, little-projected – aspects of the tourism product. Which, in fact, are perfectly in line with the modern concept of seeking unique travel experiences, but also with the new conditions imposed by the pandemic,” said Theoharis.