“We have not seen the phenomenon of hyper tourism in Greece and we do not want to see it, that is why the Greek government has already taken strict measures” he argued
Greece “has a privileged position” as a tourist country, as it “is now included among the 10 most popular destinations in the world”, the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, emphasized, among other things, in the context of the largest tourism exhibition in Europe, the World Travel Market. which takes place these days in London.
Ms. Kefalogiannis underlined that 2023 was closed as a reference year, while according to the data so far, 2024 will also be a new record year for Greek tourism. Regarding 2025, the minister pointed out that pre-bookings from the British market are doing very well, showing a large increase. “Greece’s strategy” is based “on the qualitative development of tourism, moderation and balance, the protection of the natural and cultural environment, the diffusion of visitors throughout the year and in all regions of the country. And we are working towards this strategy both in relation to the promotion and in relation to the utilization of the available financial tools”, underlined Mrs. Kefalogianni.
Hyper tourism
In response to a question about whether there is a problem with hyper tourism, as it has been created in other European countries, Ms. Kefalogiannis replied that “we have not seen the phenomenon of hyper tourism in Greece and we do not want to see it. That is why the Greek government has already taken strict measures.” At the same time, however, he pointed out that where necessary, interventions are made, in order to decongest the pressures created both in time and in space. As an example, he mentioned the tax law for short-term rentals which, as he noted, “in many cases create pressure on destinations”, but also the “difficult decision”, as he characterized it, for cruise tourism.
Recovery fund – absorption of funds from the Ministry of Tourism
Regarding the recovery fund and the absorption of its funds by the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Kefalogianni said that “it is a very big opportunity” because for the first time the ministry has a package of funds that could be allocated so that interventions are made in infrastructure such as the upgrading of tourist ports, ski resorts, shelters, etc. but also the accessibility of the beaches. “The issue of accessibility is a horizontal policy of the Ministry of Tourism. We want Greek tourism to be friendly and accessible for everyone”, emphasized Mrs. Kefalogiannis. In addition, he noted that now “we have the possibility to invest more in digital tools, for culinary tourism, agritourism, wine tourism, diving tourism, health and wellness tourism”. These are “the tools of the future”, as he described them, which will also help in the digital transformation of the EOT.
Meeting with her British counterpart
On the occasion of her visit to London, Mrs. Kefalogianni also met with her British counterpart, Sir Chris Bryant who, in addition to the tourism portfolio, also has the culture portfolio. Among the items on their agenda was the upcoming bilateral agreement. “I think this is particularly important, as the British after Brexit are looking for bilateral agreements with European countries, and Greece will be one of the first countries with which to sign an agreement in the tourism sector,” emphasized Ms. Kefalogianni. Practically, this means “that with Britain we will have an even closer cooperation, a strategic agreement so as to increase the tourist flow from and to Britain, but also to make it easier for the British who trust our country”.
Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures – expected to be discussed at the prime ministerial level
Ms. Kefalogianni seized the opportunity and raised with her British counterpart the issue of reuniting the Parthenon Sculptures. “We have heard his answers many times, but I think it is important every time that the Greek side raises the issue, as it is an issue which, in addition to being Greek, has become internationalized both at the level of UNESCO, but also at the level of British public opinion “, emphasized Mrs. Kefalogiannis.
When asked by the Athenian Macedonian News Agency about what her British counterpart replied to her, Mrs. Kefalogianni said, “As you know, the British are always careful in the way they express themselves. Besides, as Sir Chris Bryant told me, it is an issue that will also be discussed at the level of prime ministers. However, you know that the two museums, the British Museum and the Acropolis Museum, are in talks. Greece has currently achieved very important decisions at UNESCO level. But I think that the issue at the intergovernmental level is very important to always raise because the reunification of the Sculptors is now a universal request, not just a Greek one”.
Signing of an agreement with Easyjet and Easyjet Holidays
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Ms. Kefalogianni signed a three-year cooperation agreement between the Greek Ministry of Tourism and EOT with Easyjet and Easyjet Holidays
Immediately afterwards Ms. Kefalogianni stated to the Athenian Macedonian News Agency: “For the first time we are signing a memorandum of cooperation for a strategic relationship with Easyjet and Easyjet Holidays which will effectively cover the strategy of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Organization for the coming years, both in relation to the deepening of sustainability in tourism, as well as in the direction of opening new destinations and the possibility of Greece becoming a twelve month destination. We therefore consider that such strategic alliances help Greece’s strategy for the quality upgrade of tourism”.
It is worth noting that the World Travel Market has been characterized by international industry executives as a report for the current year and as a “guide” for the next tourist season. While the British market will probably be the biggest market for Greek tourism for 2024.
