Greece Aiming to Develop its Mountain Tourism Product

The Tourism Ministry is expected to soon submit new proposals to develop mountain tourism in Greece, according to statements made by Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zachraki during a conference held earlier this month in the historic village of Morfovouni near Karditsa.

Titled “Mountain tourism in southern Pindos in the post-Covid era”, the conference was organized by the Municipality of Lake Plastira and the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) among other bodies.

According to the Athens News Agency, the ministry will base its proposals to develop mountain tourism on international best practices and available data.

Zacharaki said that the ministry will also use “one of the most valuable tools for the recovery of the national economy”, referring to the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

“Mountain tourism is a huge opportunity to attract visitors throughout the year and not only during the winter months,” the deputy minister highlighted.

Based on the principles of sustainable tourism and the need to extend the season, the ministry is looking to secure funding for upgrade works, as well as for the creation of new facilities at ski resorts and shelters.

Works will include creating proper signage and proceeding with the digital mapping of paths and also purchasing modern machinery.

Photo: GTP

The ministry will also proceed with the creation of thematic parks in the country’s mountain regions.

“Our aim is to finally create thematic parks in mountain areas in Greece and their operation will be extended beyond the winter months,” Zacharaki underlined.

The deputy minister also announced that a special working group will soon be set up to develop an integrated strategy to develop and promote mountain tourism destinations in Greece.