Diversification of Greek Tourism Product is Essential, Says Ministry’s Secretary General

(L-R) US Consul General in Thessaloniki Elizabeth K Lee with Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Olympia Anastasopoulou. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

Promoting investment opportunities in tourism in Northern Greece and strengthening women’s entrepreneurship were the focus of a meeting this week between Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, Olympia Anastasopoulou and US Consul General in Thessaloniki Elizabeth K Lee on the sidelines of 7th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Thessaloniki.

The two officials discussed the need for Greece to reduce bureaucracy, simplify legislation, upgrade infrastructure, and diversify its tourism product in order to remain competitive. Options on offer should go beyond the traditional “sun and sea” tourism segment and include other forms of tourism such as conference (MICE), mountain, culinary, cultural, film and spa tourism.

Anastasopoulou referred to actions taken to establish the country as a health tourism destination, which she said had the potential to attract more than 100,000 travelers and generate over 400 million euros in revenues per year.

Additionally, she said Greece was the ideal remote work destination thanks to the quality of life, the fine weather, the low cost of living, and competitive taxation, among others.

Promoting Northern Greece’s alternative tourism destinations

Enipeas Gorge, Pieria regional district, Northern Greece. Photo source: Visit Greece / S. Mourelatou

On her part, US Consul General in Thessaloniki Elizabeth Lee underlined the importance of promoting alternative destinations in Northern Greece besides Halkidiki and referred to the potential of developing film tourism thanks to the film studios operating in Thermi outside Thessaloniki.

Lee also said that Northern Greece could attract more visitors by hosting events with wide appeal such as EuroPride, and by launching initiatives that support Muslim women as well as creating a Women’s Technological Network with the aim of mentoring and guiding female entrepreneurs in all the stages of business development.

On the sidelines of the Posidonia Forum, Anastasopoulou also met with representatives from MedCruise, MSC, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Piraeus and Thessaloniki port authorities. She also met with Central Macedonia Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas.