Tourism Ministry Sets Out Goals for Central Greece

The actions required to further promote the Central Greece Region as a tourist destination topped the agenda of a meeting between Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki, local government and sector professionals this week.

Among others, the meeting, which took place in Karpenissi on the sidelines of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ tour of the region and that included the participation of officials in culture and sports, set out government actions aimed at taking tourism into an era of sustainability and growth focused on supporting local communities.

According to Zacharaki, key ministry actions include developing special interest tourism, spa, mountain, gastronomy, wine, hiking, religious, conference, sports, eco and agri tourism, all of which can develop in Central Greece.

In this direction, the Tourism Ministry has allocated 28 million euros to go towards the upgrade and promotion of the country’s thermal springs infrastructure.

Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki speaking during the event held for the presentation of upgrade and infrastructure projects in Central Greece by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (center).

“In total, 55 million euros will be channeled into the upgrade of infrastructure at ski centers and mountain shelters as well as for the promotion of mountain tourism, 22 million euros for the promotion of diving tourism, 17 million euros for wellness tourism and the promotion of the thermal springs in Edipsos (Evia), 46 million euros for the largest human resource training program in tourism, as well as an additional 17 million euros for the promotion of agritourism and culinary tourism with the creation of the first thematic DMMO,” said Zacharaki.

The deputy minister went on to highlight the actions taken by the tourism ministry which led to Central Greece’s improved tourism performance last year. Indicatively, Zacharaki said Central Greece experienced the best year in its history marking a 79 percent rise in travel receipts from Germany, +44 percent from the US, +145 percent from the UK, and +112 percent from France.

Lastly she referred to support measures for Evia residents and businesses after the fire; to initiatives in sports such as the Acropolis Rally as well as to the ministry’s three new labels for visitable breweries, cheese factories and olive mills, which helped boost local revenues and visibility.