Op-Ed: George Vilos on ensuring seamless travel at 14 Greek gateways

After two years of unprecedented challenges, Greek tourism is now experiencing a gradual and steady recovery. Despite the ongoing challenges at a global level, peoples’ strong desire to travel, especially for leisure, has proved so far resilient enough, thereby bringing back optimism across all fields of the Greek tourism sector.

The successful strategy that Greece implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic has been acknowledged globally and has solidified the brand name of “Greece” adding to its high reputation and attractiveness. However, Greece has to confront new challenges in order to keep its leading position as a tourism destination and meet the ever-increasing and continuously evolving needs of travelers. Investment in new infrastructure, sustainable development in all aspects of the tourism ecosystem, experiences-based tourist portfolio, seamless customer service and value for money services offering are critical components that will define the competition in the tourism industry in the upcoming years and constitute the preconditions for maintaining competitiveness and achieving further growth.

Operating 14 Greek gateways, the objective of Fraport Greece is to safeguard a very positive first and last impression of the country. After two years of deep crisis, we now experience the gradual return to normality reflected to the increasing number of tourist arrivals at our airports during the last months. This year we expect to welcome tourists from all over the world at the 14 substantially upgraded and passenger-friendly airports, operated under the highest international standards and practices. Our mission is to support the new, upgraded image of the country, enhancing the overall travel experience and the hospitality element of the Greek tourist product.

It is obvious that the current recovery status of the industry along with the uncertainty deriving from the war crisis and the associated inflationary pressures around the world dictate more than ever the need for the formation of a tourism strategy roadmap with a crystal-clear vision but also attainable short-term targets.

Addressing the new era in tourism requires stronger collaboration across the entire industry. Synergies and joint actions will play an important role in the industry’s revitalization as it recovers from the pandemic.
In this context, Fraport Greece will continue working in close cooperation with all stakeholders, having as target the increase of passengers throughout all 14 airports. Seamless travel experience, safety and functionality are the three pillars of our operational model that will be served with high sense of responsibility by Fraport Greece’s employees at all 14 airports.

Greece has earned its place among the leading tourist destinations globally, investing on its legacy, long history, unique culture and unparalleled beauty but also on the principles of consistency, sustainability and reliability.

Fraport Greece Executive Director Commercial & Business Development
George Vilos

Read next: George Patoulis on building the Attica of tomorrow | Thought leaders home