Shopping in Greece: Tourism and Trade Team Up for New Campaign

The Greek Tourism Ministry has joined forces with the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) to promote a new campaign encouraging travelers to do their “Shopping in Greece”.

The news was announced after a meeting between Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, ESEE President George Karanikas and Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis.

The new campaign, dubbed “Shopping in Greece” to be implemented by the GNTO, comes after a study carried out by the Institute of Trade and Services (INEMY) on behalf of the ESEE which examined spending trends among Greece’s main source markets.

GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and ESEE President George Karanikas at the Tourism Ministry in Athens on Thursday. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

The goal of the targeted campaign is to encourage travelers to shop in Greece, which will in turn support the country’s small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises, enhance the Greek tourism product, extend the tourism season and boost local and national economies.

“The GNTO’s campaign will include the ‘Shopping in Greece’ drive,” said Kikilias, adding that Greece will follow the examples of other European capitals such as London and Paris and promote its products.

“It’s a new venture, connecting trade with tourism, and I believe it will have a positive impact both on commercial enterprises and on the promotion of Greek products abroad,” the minister added.

Underlining the importance of linking tourism with trade and the multiple benefits for all stakeholders involved, Karanikas said the campaign will create added value for the Greek tourism product and for local communities, where thousands of SMEs are active.