Hoteliers Urge Improvements at Greece’s Land Border Crossing Points

Greek Deputy Interior Minister Konstantinos Gioulekas (center) with (from left) the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation first VP, Andreas Mandrinos; president, Yiannis Hatzis; second VP, Iraklis Tsitlakidis; and general secretary, Aggelos Kallias. Photo source: Hellenic Hoteliers Federation

The easing of entry conditions, particularly regarding time delays at Greece’s land borders, was the primary focus of a meeting between Greek Deputy Interior Minister Konstantinos Gioulekas and the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (HHF) in Thessaloniki on Thursday.

The federation was represented by its president, Yiannis Hatzis, and members of the board of directors. Minister Gioulekas, who oversees the Region of Macedonia and Thrace, addressed issues pertinent to northern Greece as a tourist destination.

During the meeting, federation representatives emphasized the need for improved conditions at Greece’s land border entry points to mitigate delays.

Hatzis remarked that the current state of the entry points does not reflect Greece’s “position on the world tourism map”.

Greece – Bulgaria borders.

Deputy Minister Gioulekas responded that enhancing services at Greece’s land borders is a priority for the Greek government. He noted that upgrading and renovating customs points in Kipi and Kastanies is already underway.

According to Gioulekas, the Greek government is advancing infrastructure projects in northern Greece, including the construction of new, safe roads, to help the region become a year-round tourism destination.

“Tourism is not only a vital source of income for local communities but also a means of promoting Macedonia and Thrace, which we are committed to elevating,” he said.

The president of the hoteliers federation expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation with the Interior Ministry to address all issues at the land borders and enhance road tourism.

“Ensuring smooth and hassle-free passage for road tourists is crucial for the viability of hotels in Northern Greece and beyond, as road tourists constitute a significant portion of their clientele,” Hatzis said.

The meeting was also attended by the first vice president of HHF and president of the Thessaloniki Hotels Association, Andreas Mandrinos; the second vice president of HHF and president of the Pieria Hoteliers Association, Iraklis Tsitlakidis; and the general secretary of HHF, Aggelos Kallias, who is also the president of the Drama Hotel Association.