Op-Ed: ‘We All Must Highlight Greece as a Leading Force in Global Tourism’ – Grigoris Tasios

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) has provided a podium for Greece’s key tourism figures to share their vision for the day after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Greek tourism right now stands at the most crucial point of its modern history. In 2019 it showed the dynamics of a global destination. In 2020, due to the pandemic, Greek tourism suffered an unprecedented shock that caused disruption, but the sector gained in credibility and formed a valuable chapter of trust.

The challenge for Greek tourism in 2021 is to utilize and maintain this confidence, to see a good rebound that will give the opportunity for a great “take off” towards the future.

We hoteliers, throughout the ages, look ahead with optimism. Every great crisis is also a great opportunity. What we must do, and which it is really up to us, is to work collectively. Tourism has shown how much it can give and it is ready to give much more under one basic condition. That we all – the state, companies, employees, local communities – come together and highlight Greece as a leading force in global tourism.

The world, especially after the pandemic, is changing rapidly. Environmental sustainability comes to the fore. Digital transformation embraces every aspect of human activities. Infrastructure is of particular importance in dealing with the effects of climate change. Also, the continuous upgrade of the skills of human resources will be crucial for employment.

These are major issues for the entire European economy and consequently for Greece’s. In order to achieve these critical goals that will place Greece on the map of a viable and competitive Europe, we must give the national battle from where we are strong, from tourism.

That is why the 10-year plan for Greek tourism prepared by the Tourism Ministry with all tourism bodies, must go “hand in hand” with the priorities and resources that our country has to receive in the coming years from the European Recovery Fund.

The new financial tools for the development that the country will have in the years to come should be focused on where we can see the maximum effect on the economy and society.”

* This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) annual printed edition for 2021. Press here for more information.