Infrastructure Upgrades Next in Line to Strengthen Greece’s Tourism

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias with journalist Maria Sarafoglou. Photo source: Delphi Forum

Accelerating infrastructure upgrades to further strengthen tourism in Greece tops the agenda of government actions in the next four years, said Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias during the 8th Delphi Economic Forum 2023 held late April.

The Greek tourism minister expressed his confidence that the sector would continue its upward trend, adding that Greece was now an established and “very strong global brand”.

Key objectives, Kikilias said, included addressing the issue of divided responsibilities among many ministries and enforcing the fast track implementation of investments.

“2022 was a record year with 17.6 billion euros in revenues – 2.6 billion euros above budget – 20 percent growth in cruise and road tourism and a record number of direct flights,” said the minister, adding that this year he expects new records in terms of average spend per traveler, set to rise by 20 percent compared to last year. According to Kikilias, tourism contributes 25 percent to the country’s GDP.

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Photo source: Delphi Forum

The tourism minister also referred to short-term rental operations, which he said on the one hand helped many citizens get by but on the other must be regulated. Measures in this direction would soon be announced.

At this year’s Delphi forum, for the first time in Greece, short-term rental operators sat down at the same table with the country’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) to discuss best practices and market conditions.

Lastly, Kikilias announced tax deductions and incentives for traditional taverna businesses operating at mountain or seaside destinations aimed at preserving the identity of destinations. He cited the successful example of Epirus.