Upskilling and Reskilling: Greece Prioritizes Human Resources in Tourism Sector

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels President Alexandros Vassilikos. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

The Greek Tourism Ministry announced an investment of up to 45 million euros in tourism’s human resources, focusing on upskilling and reskilling programs for professionals in Greece’s tourism sector. The funding, provided by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, aims to elevate service quality across the industry.

“Tourism begins and ends with our human resources,” said Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, speaking at the 3rd Economic Conference of Naftemporiki newspaper in Athens. “We are committed to supporting those working in tourism, and beginning next week, applications will open for upskilling and reskilling programs.”

The program, expected to reach up to 20,000 participants, will be accessible via a digital platform launching on October 30.

Kefalogianni highlighted that these programs encourage collaboration between the private sector and public training institutions to create an upgraded curriculum for young professionals. “What makes the difference in our sector is our people. Investment in human resources is a top priority,” she stated, noting that the programs will be accessible to all tourism professionals, regardless of skill level.

2025 Outlook: Tourism growth and investment

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Commenting on Greece’s tourism outlook for 2025, Kefalogianni expressed optimism, citing recent data indicating a 20 percent increase in tourist arrivals and a 15 percent boost in revenue from January to May 2024. Based on these trends, she projected another strong year for Greek tourism in 2025.

Kefalogianni also highlighted that Greece’s appeal extends beyond visitors to investors. “The new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism is a crucial tool for sustainable tourism development. It establishes the principles, regulations, and priorities for tourism growth across Greece,” she said, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to making Greece a leader in sustainable tourism.

Diversifying Greece’s tourism offerings

Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Kefalogianni reiterated that a core objective of the tourism ministry is to diversify the Greek tourism experience beyond the traditional “sun and beach” model. With EU Recovery and Resilience funding, various programs and projects will support tourism in lesser-known areas of Greece.

The minister outlined programs for mountain, winter, sea, and spa tourism, adding that new initiatives are underway to promote agritourism, gastronomy tourism, and wine tourism. “It’s a priority to develop specialized types of tourism, which will not only increase interest in lesser-developed areas but also attract investor attention,” she said.

Kefalogianni also highlighted the marketing strategy and digital transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), which aims to promote unique types of tourism using modern communication tools.

New legislation for short-term rentals

Addressing the topic of short-term rentals, Kefalogianni announced that the ministry will present a draft law to parliament next week. The new law will, for the first time, establish clear operating and safety standards for all short-term rental properties in Greece.