Trade Associations

On the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27, Greek tourism figures give their messages to mark the importance of Accessible Tourism and the creation of environments that can cater for the needs of all of us.

David Scowsill, the president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has called for the tourism sector to be more accessible, during a speech at World Tourism Day celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Although tourist arrivals to Greece this year are showing an upward trend – very close to the original target of 25 million – revenue seems to be falling below forecasts.

Aiming to attract more tourists from India to Greece, the secretary general of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Dimitris Tryfonopoulos, held a meeting with Karnataka’s Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge.

Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura will promote Greece at France’s international travel and tourism trade fair IFTM Top Resa 2016 in Paris that will take place September 20-23.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s call for a united Europe; one that is fair, tolerant and safe, was warmly received by the Greek government this week.

The strategic development and promotion of Greek tourism abroad was the main topic on the agenda of a meeting held in Athens between Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura and TUI Group’s Thomas Ellerbeck.

Last-minute vacationers are offsetting losses recorded in the first summer months of the year with the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) indicating a 9 percent rise in the number of arrivals in July at regional airports and a 9.6 percent increase at Athens International Airport (AIA).

In efforts to stimulate tourism to the Eastern Aegean islands hit by the refugee influx the Greek tourism ministry has announced yet another series of incentives including friendlier prices at hotels.

The excessive tax burden in Greece, both in terms of direct and indirect taxes, continue to negatively affect the development of the country’s tourism and economy in general, according to a study released recently by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (InSETE).