PM: 2024 Set to Be Record-breaking Year for Greek Tourism

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared 2024 a record year for tourism, during the third “Greece Talks” conference in Athens on Thursday.

Citing increased revenues based on data from the Bank of Greece, the Greek PM highlighted that Greece is now in a position to extend the tourism season, with Athens evolving into a year-round destination.

In a fireside chat with Andrew Tuck, the founding editor of Monocle Magazine, Mitsotakis discussed the importance of introducing new and lesser-known destinations across Greece to foreign visitors. He stressed the importance of carefully pricing tourism offerings, being transparent about what Greece offers, and continuously improving services. He also highlighted that the tourism market does not forgive complacency.

“We offer something unique: natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Our goal is for Greece to be the first destination people think of when they decide to travel,” Mitsotakis said.

He also shared that the ultimate aim is to encourage repeat visits, ensuring that tourists discover more destinations within Greece. This approach is beneficial not only for tourism but also for the Greek economy, which generated over 20 billion euros from tourism in the past year, with projections for even higher earnings in 2024.

Tourism in Greece: A local benefit

Regarding Greece’s approach to tourism, Mitsotakis noted that local communities have embraced tourism, unlike other countries where opposition to overtourism has become a concern. “This has not happened, and I do not expect it to happen in Greece,” he stated.

Mitsotakis also pointed out that Greece’s tourism market is largely composed of small businesses that thrive by offering high-quality products and services. Beyond the country’s famous cultural landmarks and natural beauty, he emphasized Greece’s potential as a winter destination due to its mountainous regions.

Sustainability and infrastructure development

The PM also highlighted the Greek government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. He underlined that this growth will not come at the expense of the quality of life for Greek citizens. “Tourism is vital for the economy and job creation, but we are also addressing the challenges it presents, such as the impact of short-term rental properties in certain areas of Athens,” he said.

On infrastructure, the prime minister mentioned the ongoing expansion of Athens International Airport (AIA) and the metro system, along with plans to upgrade ports, especially smaller ones. He also revealed plans for a new port at Santorini and updates to the country’s road network.

Investing in human resources

Moreover, Mitsotakis acknowledged that one of Greece’s greatest challenges in the tourism sector is human resources.

He noted that the government is focused on training to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the industry.

While Greece’s unemployment rate has fallen from 17 percent to below 10 percent, he pointed out that the tourism sector offers competitive wages, even for entry-level positions, providing opportunities for many to earn above the minimum wage.