PM: Greece to Focus on Attracting High-End Tourism Investments

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo source: PM’s Press Office

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said this week that attracting high-end tourism investments and reaching out to the Indian market were key government priorities for a sector that has remained resilient in times of crisis.

Speaking during the “The Role of Tourism in the Future of Greece” session of the “Greece Talks” conference held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens on Thursday, Mitsotakis said Greece’s tourism industry was so much more than numbers, it was the country’s showcase.

Referring to the sector’s contribution to the Greek economy, Mitsotakis said it was now more important than ever to include all local communities in the decision-making and benefits. But he added that preserving the competitiveness of the sector was a top priority.

“Greece’s  tourism sector is resilient. We have laid the foundations for a new tourism product, which must be based on quality, sustainability and resilience, and above all on the unique experiences we can offer and our ability to attract visitors who can spend more,” he said.

The goal now, said the Greek prime minister is to extend the tourist season while upgrading the quality of the tourism products offered. To achieve this, a first step is making  the country’s leading destinations accessible and highlighting the country’s cultural and winter offerings, which he described as “unutilized capital”.

Among others, Mitsotakis went on to add that significant EU resilience (RRF) funds would be channeled into promoting winter tourism destinations, ski resorts and mountainous regions in Greece.

Additionally, he underlined the importance of expanding to new markets and ensuring connectivity through direct flights as is the case with the US and China.

Next very big market: India

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo source: Press Office of PM

“The next very big market we must invest in is India,” he said, adding that he expected many opportunities to emerge. Greece and India agreed to enter a new era of cooperation in trade, tourism, and culture after Mitsotakis’ meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a historic visit to Athens in August.

The Greek PM also underlined the importance of private initiatives and projects for the sector’s growth, adding that these have served as a “blood line”.

“GDP and investments will be the final product that will add to the overall change of the country’s brand name,” he said, adding that political stability and the country’s prospects would be attracting more investors to come to Greece.