“If there is an industry where the numbers accurately reflect the truth, it is tourism. All elements have tangible dimensions. Indeed, this year’s data can definitely allow us to talk about the success and great returns of Greek tourism. We estimate that by the end of the year, arrivals will reach 88% of 2019, and receipts will be the same or even higher. 3 billion will be added to what we had in the budget. Tourism not only replenishes the state treasury, but also expands the range of activities,” said Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking at an event of the Ministry of Tourism on the theme: “2022 – The Great Return of Greek Tourism”.

The Prime Minister emphasized that tourism mobilizes local markets at all levels, noting that this year must have been the best in decades. “Tourism is turning into a field for activating public, European and private funds, which, if we also count bank loans, will exceed 1 billion this year. Today’s image of well-being would not exist if there were not very systematic efforts to support the sector, especially during the outbreak of the pandemic,” Mr. Mitsotakis continued. “We have made difficult decisions. We have committed significant resources to supporting the tourism business, moving part-time to full-time, incentivizing employers to retain their employees. At the same time, we took risks to open the tourism market in 2020 on unprecedented terms,” — he added.

Full reset in 2022

The Prime Minister spoke about the use of tests and how Greece managed to open up the tourism market in 2020. “And then 2021 came around and we had questions about how tourists would travel and how they would make sure they were either sick or had been vaccinated,” she added, recalling how he spoke at the summit about the common certificate. “We were the ones who planned it, proposed it, put it into practice, and we managed to have a relatively acceptable tourist season in 2021 with revenues reaching 50% of 2019. This year is a year of a complete reset for tourism, despite the fact that “This year we also had great difficulties. Russian tourists did not come. Ukrainians did not come. Explosive inflation, explosive energy costs. Despite this, Greek tourism has returned,” he stressed.

“We managed to extend the tourist season. This is already a conquest of Greek tourism. It didn’t happen, it succeeded,” stressed the Prime Minister, who also spoke about the cruise, which also extended the tourist season. “We are gradually approaching the 12-month season and we have every reason to there are still areas untouched for tourism, and our cultural tourism still has serious development prospects,” he said.

2023 is also a landmark year

Mr. Mitsotakis said this 12-month season should be about more than just visitors. but our fellow citizens also mentioned domestic tourism. “The Tourism for All program will also be active in 2023, we expect a second drawing at the end of January, maybe even earlier. 2023 is also expected to be a landmark year, despite major international uncertainty and inflationary pressures. Difficulties that will not end quickly and easily. Good prospects are opening up before us, which we are called upon to win by activating our own forces. First of all, bet on infrastructures, projects that we have identified,” he added.

The Prime Minister also spoke about “green” options and investments, such as electrification, development of renewable energy sources.

“Digitalization and energy autonomy are challenges for the country and for the tourism sector itself. Along with improving places on the mainland through initiatives such as Wild Mountains,” he continued.

The main stake is the extension of the period, he noted and spoke about alternative forms of tourism. “I repeat, we have all the conditions, we have unique monuments, a unique natural environment, which means parallel actions by the central state, significant public investment, and nothing can be done without cooperation with the private sector. You, as tourism entrepreneurs, are at risk of investing in what you do best,” he said.

Investment in human capital

Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that a particular challenge is to invest Greek tourism in human capital. “Congratulations on the signing of the new collective labor agreement. This is a big success. The visitor’s first contact is not with the comforts of the home, but with the smile of the one who meets him. After the pandemic, none of the 13 positions in the industry could be promoted. There were also our fellow citizens who worked and lived in poor conditions. Of course, these practices are exceptions, but these exceptions must also be completely wiped off the face of the earth. Quality visitor service begins with poetic conditions for the employee. Employers should not hesitate to reward the work and efforts of their employees by providing additional bonuses,” he stressed. Mr. Mitsotakis also spoke about the modernization of tourism education, “especially at a time when wages in our country are still low.”

“We want not only an open but also an orderly market, which means respect for the people who work in the tourism industry,” Mr. Mitsotakis continued. He also said that the prospects are bright. “We can continue and invest in these great relationships that we have established. I want to continue this path. Despite the difficulties, know that in my person you will always have an ally who has proven over time that he is well versed in tourism issues and can see the important prospects that are spelled out for the future. I believe that all international trends can work in our favor. Everyone will increasingly look for unique experiences. And if someone is asked to choose whether to spend money on consumer needs or on a trip, then most likely he will choose the second, not the first. We have laid the foundation, we know where we want to take Greek tourism and I am confident that with your own efforts and hard work we will be able to make 2023 and the years that will follow great years of success for Greek tourism and at the same time for Greek economy,” he said.

Source: APE/MPE.