New Minister Aims to Equally Distribute Tourism Across Greece

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis with Tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

Greece’s new Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said this week that she was prioritizing the fair distribution of tourist flows and revenues to destinations across the country after meeting with Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis and  Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos.

 Among others, Kefalogianni said she discussed with Bakoyannis ways to strengthen Athens’ tourism product, improving the Greek capital’s’ global ranking as a city tourist destination and addressing issues that concern residents.

Accompanied by Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti, both elected during the national elections last month, Kefalogianni also met with Vassilikos who briefed her on hotel sector issues.

(L-R) Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos and Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

 Kefalogianni said the sector must now adapt to new challenges and said agreement had been reached on employing tourism as a “critical tool” that will enable the balanced diffusion of wealth to local societies and economies. The two officials also discussed prioritizing the digitalization of the HCH, updating hotel star categories, tightening hotel inspections, and increasing Greece’s share in the international tourism market.

“It is after all, this prospect that will maximize the sector’s contribution to the development and prosperity of the country as a whole,” said Kefalogianni.

Among others, Kefalogianni has already met with Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis. Re-elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held his government’s first cabinet meeting a week ago.