Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias spoke about the extension of the tourist season, the travel revenues, which according to the provisional data of the Central Bank exceeded the initial target by 2.6 billion euros, the strategic agreements with major markets and also about the development projects brought about by the tourism upgrade, in an interview with radio station SKAI 100.3.
As he mentioned, in 2022 travel receipts from the very important markets of the United Kingdom, France and Germany increased by 21.8%, 16.4% and 10% respectively compared to 2019. The agreement with the American airlines for 63 direct flights/week from the USA to “El. Venizelos” International Airport with the result that until January 2023 American high spending travelers will visit Athens and other Greek destinations.
“For 2023 we already have 56 flights per week booked from the US – starting March 11th, with more to come – plus Canada with 2 flights, plus Australia and China which opened after the pandemic. Success story and Israel with flights every weekend. Hellenic Tourism Organization campaign 12 months a year for all mountainous, winter, alternative destinations and city breaks. This is a huge reform in the tourism industry. Digital booking, digital nomads, support for modern marketing tools, so that we can bring even more quality travelers,” said the Minister of Tourism.
Major infrastructure projects
With reference to infrastructure projects, Mr. Kikilias emphasized that now 8 out of 10 investments made in Greece are related to tourism and he emphasized that for the next 4 years an interministerial committee under the Presidency of the Government will be a cross-section with the aim of upgrading infrastructure projects, key projects for the sustainability of the tourism product and the growth of the country, with fast track procedures.
As an example, he mentioned the parking area for tourist buses, for which the Government, the Ministry of Tourism and the Municipality of Athens agree to create a parking lot on Syngrou Avenue where there is space available, so as to stop parking on Amalias Avenue, which creates a significant problem in the city traffic.
Latest News
Developing the Blue Carbon Economy in Greece
Can Greece make money by protecting its marine environment?
EIB Appoints Greece’s Ioannis Tsakiris as New VP
Ioannis Tsakiris started the new role May 1 after spending 15 years at the European Investment Fund (EIF) and serving as Greece’s Deputy Minister for Development and Investments
Two Greek Beaches in Top 50 in the World
Both Greek beaches were on the list of the best beaches in Europe too
Eurostat: Greece 20th out of 26 European States in Hourly Average Wage
According to figures released by Eurostat, the Benelux Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of Europe’s hubs for finance, is in first place
Greek Property Renovation Surge amid Economic Constraints
This has led to a notable escalation in renovation costs, with average prices per square meter exceeding previous norms and reaching even 1,000 euros in premium locations
RRF: Additional €5.1bln Funds for Subsidies to Greece in 2025
By April 22, funds totaling 5.75 billion euros had been transferred for approved projects of the Recovery Fund to entities within and outside the general government and final recipients
OECD: Greek Economy Resilient with 2% Growth Forecast for 2024
However, the OECD highlights challenges including the need to enhance productivity and fiscal adjustment due to high debt levels.
Challenges and Delays in Greece’s Hydrocarbon Exploration
Sources disclose that the petroleum companies holding the concessions are seeking partners to jointly invest and share the costs of exploration and drilling.
Greek Beach Visitors Can Report Violations on New ‘MyCoast’ App
Greek authorities hope the newly-launched, free ‘MyCoast’ app will help clamp down on public beach violations
BoG Figures Confirm Banner Year for Greek Tourism in 2023
20.6 billion euros in related revenues topped the previous year’s figure by 16.5%