Minister: Greece Places Tourism at Center of its Growth Model

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

Greece is committed to positioning tourism as a main pillar of the economy by creating the conditions that foster sustainable growth, said Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni addressing via video call the 5th Southeast Europe & East Med taking place in Washington DC this week.

“The Greek government is steadfast in its commitment to position tourism as a key pillar in the new development model for our economy. Despite facing unprecedented challenges, our tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The latest data indicates a resurgence and full recovery in tourism activity with significant growth in both number of visitors and revenue,” she said during the event, which was co-organized by Kathimerini English Edition, the Delphi Economic Forum, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

Kefalogianni went on to present the ministry’s priorities, which include effectively channeling EU RRF funds into sustainable and equal tourism development across Greece with projects focusing on infrastructure upgrades, mountain, spa & wellness, marine and diving tourism.

Drakolimni of Tymfi, Greece

The challenge, said Kefalogianni, is to ensure balance between growth, local community needs, and the preservation of the country’s natural and cultural resources.

Additionally, she said encouraging local communities to participate in tourism development will also empower them financially. At the same time, Greece is also seeking to forge collaborations, address shared challenges and explore new prospects and synergies with other countries. “We are actively creating ties with other nations in our region sharing knowledge and experience for mutual benefit,” she said.

“Our aim is to incorporate sustainable practices into every aspect of the industry. We are also committed to introducing novel products and experiences, expand activities across the country to protect our diverse landscapes and highlight the potential of our tourism offering. Greece aims to diversify and enhance its tourism portfolio,” she said.