‘Greece 2.0’ Tourism Projects: Marinas and Ski Resorts Get Green Light for Upgrades

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni giving an update on the projects in the “Tourism Development” action, part of the “Greece 2.0” National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Three marinas and two ski resorts in Greece have so far received the “green” light to upgrade their infrastructure with funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Wednesday.

The funds, amounting to 387 million euros and part of the “Greece 2.0” National Recovery and Resilience Plan, are to cover investment plans for the sector’s development, which are to be coordinated and implemented by the Tourism Ministry.

Speaking to journalists, Kefalogianni gave an update on the progress so far for the announced action concerning “Tourism Development” (total budget 321 million euros) to cover investment proposals (budgeted at 170 million euros) for the upgrade of mountain tourism (upgrade of ski centers and mountain refuge facilities), the improvement of accessibility to beaches and the upgrade of tourist ports (marinas).

“We are moving fast to take advantage of a unique opportunity for the Greek economy and tourism in our country, which is given to us by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan,” the minister said, adding that the actions aim to form a competitive, modern and sustainable tourism product.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

According to the minister, to date, a total of 98 investment projects (amounting to 338 million euros) have already been submitted following the call for upgrade proposals, surpassing the budget of 170 million euros.

It is reminded that beneficiaries for the funds are selected on a first-come first-serve basis.

16 proposals for ski resort upgrades – 2 approved

With regard to the call for proposals to upgrade ski resorts, 16 investment projects totaling 147.65 million euros have been submitted.

The submitted proposals come from almost all of Greece’s ski centers and exceed the available budget (53.7 million euros) by almost 100 million euros.

So far, the first two investment projects that have been approved are for the ski resorts “Anilio” in Metsovo and “3-5 Pigadia” in Naoussa, amounting to 10 million euros each.

41 proposals received for marinas – 3 approved

Regarding the call for proposals to upgrade tourist ports (marinas, shelters and moorings), 41 investment projects were submitted, amounting to a total of 184.6 million euros, also exceeding the available announced budget of 139,1 million euros.

Of the 41 projects, until now, three have received a positive evaluation from the ministry’s advisory committee: the marinas of the Municipality of Lavreotiki (Olympic Marine), Agios Kosmas (Lamda Development) and Rhodes. Each proposal will receive 10 million euros each for upgrades.

37 proposals received for accessible beaches – Deadline: May 31

Regarding the call for proposals for the improvement of accessibility to beaches (total available budget:17 million euros), 37 investment projects, adding up to a total amount of 6.16 million euros, have been submitted.

The ministry is still accepting proposals as the deadline to apply has been moved to May 31 (from January 25).

4 proposals received for upgrade mountain refuge facilities – Deadline: April 30

Moreover, regarding the call for proposals to upgrade mountain refuge facilities (total available budget: 1.240.000 million), four investment projects have been submitted, adding up to a total amount of 670,000 euros.

The ministry is still accepting proposals as the deadline to apply has been moved to April 30 (from March 31).

More proposals coming soon

The ministry’s announced action concerning “Tourism Development” (total budget 321 million euros) also includes the release of funds for the:

– creation of DMMOs (destination management and marketing organizations);
– upgrade of thermal springs facilities (for promotion of health and wellness tourism);
– development of an agrifood/gastronomy tourism network; and
– upgrade of existing diving/marine parks and financing the preparation of studies for new ones.

According to Kefalogianni, the ministry by the end of the month will release calls for expressions of interest for parties to submit investment proposals for the upgrade and creation of new thermal springs facilities and the upgrade of existing diving/marine parks.

Calls for expressions of interest for parties to submit investment proposals for the creation of DMMOs and the development of an agrifood/gastronomy tourism network are expected to be announced during the second quarter of the year.

Another three actions for tourism are included in the “Greece 2.0” National Recovery and Resilience Plan and concern “Tourism Education” (budget: 45 million euros); “Digital Transformation of the Register of Tourism Businesses” (budget: 10 million euros); and the “Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)” (budget: 10 million euros).

Calls for expressions of interest are expected to be announced soon.