Greek PM Aiming to Make Greece a Top Global Tourism Destination

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking at the 33rd Annual Greek Economic Summit (GES 2022). Photo source: Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

Establishing Greece as world leader in tourism and tourist experiences is a top priority for Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who said the sector is well positioned to attract major investments in this direction.

“I have a clear vision: I want to make Greece a leading tourist destination worldwide. I will settle for nothing less in terms of experience, products and service to guests who spend their money. This means: no compromises on sustainability, when it comes to using local products and to connecting with our cultural heritage,” he said during a roundtable discussion at the 33rd Annual Greek Economic Summit (GES 2022) that took place in Athens last week organized by the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in cooperation with ATHEX Group.

Mitsotakis referred to the importance of tourism as a driving force of the Greek economy and said new products would be focusing on wellness and experiences, the latest trend.

At the same time, Mitsotakis said wellness also meant being able to work, retire or even study in Greece, a destination that can offer a good quality of life and a work-life balance. “Spending time in a great place is not just on the beach in the summer. This will become very important,” he said.

Mitsotakis went on to add that Greece was already well positioned to gain an advantage as a destination that can offer a comprehensive experience one which includes a combination of gastronomy, social networking, access to incredible experiences.

To achieve this, Greece will have to make some tough decisions, said Mitsotakis, referring to sustainable development and infrastructure which will pave the way for multiple benefits. “Tourism can generate more revenue. Workers will earn better wages as they acquire greater skills and offer new services,” he said.

Sifnos, Greece.

In this direction, Mitsotakis said he was convinced Greece was ready to fare even better than the rest of Europe in 2023 and to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) that will further enhance the sector and the offerings.

Earlier this month, a Eurobank study found that the country’s tourism sector was one of five industries expected to attract foreign direct investment set to boost the economy through to 2025.

Greece’s tourism sector has over the last few years gained ground as an attractive investor destination recording a 74.3 percent rise in FDI in 2021 despite the insecurity and competition in the midst of Covid-19.