Reimagining Greek Tourism: Industry Leaders Gather in Athens to Shape Sustainable Growth
In The News
17.10.2024
Greece, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a beloved tourist destination. As the country experiences an increase in visitor numbers, there are exciting opportunities to promote sustainable tourism. A recent survey by Pulse highlighted the positive perspectives of Greeks on these matters, with the company's CEO, Giorgos Arapoglou, sharing insights at the conference, “Reimagine Tourism in Greece.” Let’s explore the encouraging findings and proposed strategies for a brighter future.
How Do Greeks Feel About Tourism?
The survey revealed that an impressive 86% of participants view tourism as very important for the country. While opinions vary on the direction of the tourism sector, with 48% feeling we are headed in the right direction, a significant number (54%) express a desire for “fewer tourists with better economic conditions.” This reflects a strong interest in quality over quantity.
What Initiatives Are in Place for a Sustainable Future?
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared an optimistic outlook at the conference, emphasizing that Greece aims to create memorable experiences for tourists while boosting local economies.
“Our goal is revenue,” he stated, highlighting the importance of attracting visitors who are eager to explore and invest in the local culture and economy. By extending the tourist season and promoting diverse regions, Greece aims to offer unique experiences throughout the year.
"Our country has modern airports, new highways that offer tourism opportunities in areas that did not have them, and infrastructure in our ports," the PM added.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister during the "Reimagine Greek Tourism" Conference
Investing in Infrastructure for All
During his address, the Prime Minister noted the significant investments made in modernizing airports and highways, which enhance accessibility to various parts of Greece. While acknowledging the need for further improvement, particularly in waste management and water resources, he expressed enthusiasm for developing comprehensive solutions that benefit both residents and visitors. Collaborations with organizations like EYDAP (the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company) will ensure sustainable water management on the islands.
Eftyhis Vassilakis, President of Aegean; Panagiotis Dikaios, CEO of Attica Group; Alexander Zinell, CEO of Fraport Greece; Christos Megalou, CEO of Piraeus Bank; Marios Psalti, CEO of PwC Greece.
Crafting a Vision for the Future
Yiannis Retsos, CEO of Electra Hotels, highlighted the importance of a cohesive national strategy for tourism, advocating for organized plans that consider local needs and aspirations. His call for collaboration among stakeholders resonates with a shared vision for a sustainable tourism model. The Prime Minister’s desire to see Greece in a decade is one filled with vibrant communities that embrace tourism while maintaining their unique identity.
Eftichios Vasilakis, President of Aegean Airlines, added that managing the footprint of tourism growth should be a priority, advocating for a portion of tourism-related fees to be reinvested into local communities to maintain a healthy balance between the benefits and the impacts of tourism.
One of the key challenges for the future of Greek tourism is infrastructure. Alexander Zinell, CEO of Fraport Greece, emphasized that investments are needed in road networks and water management to accommodate further increases in tourist numbers. He also noted that Greece has yet to see large waves of visitors, highlighting the need for infrastructure that can support future growth.
"Reimagine Tourism in Greece" Conference in Athens 2024
Year-Round Flights from Brussels Airlines: Expanding Greece’s Tourism Season
Belgian carrier Brussels Airlines is now offering flights to Athens throughout the entire year, a move that significantly contributes to the extension of Greece's tourism season. Until recently, all Greek destinations in Brussels Airlines’ schedule were seasonal.
A Bright Future for Tourism in Greece
Greece is poised to navigate the challenges in its tourism sector with optimism and creativity. By focusing on sustainable practices, promoting unique experiences, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the country can enhance its appeal as a top tourist destination. This approach not only benefits visitors but also enriches the lives of local residents, paving the way for a thriving future in Greek tourism.
For many people who own, or plan to buy, a home in Greece, the journey is part of the experience. Some fly directly to Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, or Chania. Others prefer slower travel, combining trains, ferries, buses, and regional routes across Europe. Until now, however, planning a cross-border trip by train has often required patience, several booking platforms, and a healthy tolerance for uncertainty. A new proposal from the European Commission aims to make that process much simpler. The plan introduces a more unified system for booking cross-border journeys across Europe, especially train journeys involving more than one operator. The goal is clear: travellers should be able to search, compare, and book a complete journey through one platform, even when different transport companies are involved. For international buyers, second-home owners, and regular visitors to Greece, this could become an important step towards easier, more flexible travel across Europe.
A third Cretan beach, Falassarna, also appears in the global top 20, ranking 11th. Alongside them, Paleokastritsa in Corfu takes 14th place, giving Greece one of the strongest national showings in the ranking. At the very top of the list is Isla Pasión in Mexico, praised for its tropical scenery and distinctive natural shape. But while Mexico may hold first place, Greece clearly dominates the podium, with Crete claiming two of the three highest positions.
Law 5293/2026 introduces a framework that redefines the role of the notary in property transfers in Greece. The notary is designated as a “one-stop shop” for the completion of transactions involving the transfer of property rights. The provisions apply to transfers arising from sale, donation, parental gift, or inheritance.
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