The government’s goal for 2023 is to exceed revenues by 10% compared to 2022, Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said in an article published on Friday.

As he points out, 2022 has been a landmark year for Greek tourism as, despite multiple crises, travel revenue not only met the original target of 15 billion euros set by the government’s finance apparatus before the start of the war in Ukraine, but surpassed it. reached 17.6 billion

“Thus, in a very difficult situation – not only for our country, but for the whole of Europe – we were able to strengthen the national economy and the income of the average Greek family, attract investment, making tourism a key driver of development. , and with a surplus of 2.7 billion to make a decisive contribution to the government’s efforts to support the weakest, those who cannot or do not have it,” emphasizes Mr. Kikilias.

He also notes that these excellent results were not achieved automatically, but were the result of a whole network of interventions, the main directions of which are the opening of new markets, attracting high-spending travelers, EOT campaigns 12 months a year, promoting new destinations. and agreements with airlines and tour operators to extend the season, improve cruising, promote alternative/themed tourism, and city getaways.

“In addition, this year we have the markets of China and Australia open, Israel is increasing the number of flights to our country, we are moving forward on important agreements with Saudi Arabian airlines, while we have already begun work with India and South Korea. And in 2023, tourism will lead in the development of the country. The investments that we have attracted and continue to attract from the world’s giants, we are modernizing our tourism product, offering jobs, changing the image of the country – the example of Athens is typical, the areas under Omonia “light up” and come to life – and Greece is on the top of the world tourism map, ”writes in his article, Mr. Kikilias.

Source: RES-IPE