Greece’s Top Tourism Body Warns of Infrastructure Needs

Santorini, Greece. Photo source; Municipal Port Fund of Thira

Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Yiannis Paraschis confirmed that the sector had generated a total of 5.1 billion euros in investments but warned that for the country to remain competitive, infrastructure upgrades were crucial.

Addressing the 9th edition of the Delphi Economic Forum (DEF) held in Delphi, Greece, last week, Paraschis stressed the importance of implementing key infrastructure projects across the country and at border crossing points and to extend the tourist season in order for Greece to maintain its competitive edge against rival destinations.

Paraschis confirmed that tourism in 2023 had generated 28.5 billion euros, which accounted for 13 percent and indirectly 30 percent of the country’s GDP while creating thousands of jobs. Indicatively, in the third quarter of 2023, tourism accounted for nearly one-third of all jobs directly and indirectly.

Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Yiannis Paraschis speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum.

He went on to add that 2023 was now the new reference year, with some 36 million arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 by 6.1 percent and inbound tourism generating revenues exceeding 20.6 billion euros up by 13.3 percent over 2019.

Looking ahead, Paraschis expressed reserved optimism, citing the complex macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances and the growing competition.

Key priorities for Paraschis are accelerating the implantation of some 963 infrastructure projects across Greece which relate to tourism, including the creation of a long-demanded conference center in Athens, the upgrade of Santorini’s port to be able to accommodate cruise ships, the modernization of border crossing points to facilitate incoming road tourism, and the completion of the Crete north road axis, among others.