Greece Sets Priorities at 1st Regional Tourism Council Meeting

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Central Macedonia Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni outlined the country’s tourism strategy priorities during the first meeting of the Regional Tourism Council this week.

The council, which was recently upgraded enabling it to play an active role in decision– and policy-making and to participate in joint actions, was held under the chairmanship of the Association of Greek Regions and included the participation of regional governors and vice-governors.

Among others, Kefalogianni underlined the importance of cooperation, synergies, and the exchange of knowhow between regional authorities in addressing challenges and utilizing opportunities.

Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Giannis Trepeklis, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Central Macedonia Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

Top priorities, according to the minister, include the finalization of a spatial plan for tourism which will allow dozens of tourism projects to move forward, and actions that will ensure sustainability and support local communities. In this direction, Kefalogianni said funds had been channeled into the creation of destination management organizations and new products.

“Breaking records and increasing tourism figures are not enough,” said Kefalogianni. “Our goal is the qualitative development of tourism focused on sustainability with culture taking the lead as a resource for the development of tourism in the country’s 13 regions.”

Association of Greek Regions President and Central Macedonia Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the council’s upgrade demonstrates the pivotal role of regional authorities in the further development of tourism with coordinated decisions and actions. “Tourism and development without the participation of regional authorities is not possible,” he said.