Greece to Enhance Tourism Offering with Health & Wellness Products

Photo source: Greek Health Tourism Council Elitour

Greek tourism authorities are taking actions to further enhance the tourist experience with health and wellness products, according to Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

Addressing the “Health Tourism – A Strong Pillar of Development” conference in Athens recently, Kikilias said linking tourism with the medical field would further upgrade the Greek tourism product.

In this direction, the minister said a bill was being prepared that would set the terms and conditions for the development of health and wellness tourism.

“We want medical services to go hand in hand with the tourism industry. There are significant prospects in this sector particularly after the pandemic,” he said.

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

Kikilias underlined the importance of Greece’s successful management of the pandemic, which he said helped rebrand country as a safe destination.

Among others, Kikilias said the opening to new markets, the extension of the tourism season and the new agreements with airlines for more flights to Greece will contribute greatly to the establishment of the country as a health and wellness destination.

Health village

Elitour President and Attica Governor George Patoulis. Photo source: Elitour

Speaking during the same event, Greek Health Tourism Council Elitour President and Attica Governor George Patoulis said the bill was of vital importance and necessary so that the medical tourism segment can begin to grow.

In this direction, Patoulis said the Attica Region was examining the possibility of creating the first global health village in the northeast of Attica.

During the event, Kikilias awarded Patoulis for his contribution to the upgrade of the tourist product.

Last year, Elitour signed agreements for cooperation in the development of health tourism with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) and with Athens International Airport (AIA).