The new Minister of Tourism, Mrs Olga Kefalogianni and the Deputy Minister, Mrs Elena Rapti, have taken up their duties at the Ministry of Tourism.
The Acting Minister, Mrs. Ioanna Drettas, welcomed the new political leadership of the Ministry and wished success in its work. He said that according to data from the BoE, tourism revenues are up by 16% and all indications show that the year will close positively. He described as an important issue the management of destinations and the integration of sustainable development principles in the tourism product. He also welcomed the arrival of Mrs Kefalogianni, noting her knowledge and experience in the field.
MINISTER OLGA KEFALOGIANNIS
Subsequently, the new Minister, Mrs Olga Kefalogianni, at the event held at the Ministry of Tourism, in the presence of officials and representatives of the tourism sector, stressed that the immediate goal is to enhance the competitiveness of Greek tourism. He also pointed out that “tourism is dynamic. It requires you to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times. It requires a long-term strategy but also constant adaptation to small or large crises that constantly appear in front of us. But the objective is one and clear. Strong, competitive, sustainable tourism. Because that means a strong and competitive economy. It means income, jobs, social cohesion. All this always with the mind in the measure not to be lost. On the necessary balances that must follow all our policies. To the problems that are many and that we have to deal with. The solutions we need to promote. The next few years, however, will be decisive for Greek tourism. Greece, with its enormous potential, can and must face all the great challenges that lie ahead. Reducing seasonality, respect for the environment, regulation of geographical concentration, short-term leases, labour issues, respect for local communities. Steadily, boldly, ahead AND in front of Greek tourism. With a plan, synergies and alliances. We know the way. We have the plan. We have the knowledge. We are getting to work.”
STATE SECRETARY ELENA RAPTI
The new Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mrs Elena Rapti, stressed in her statements that “the aim of the new four-year term is to take Greek tourism even higher, making use of all the country’s advantages.
The aim is to mitigate the seasonality of the tourist season, to achieve a 12-month tourist season with the development of alternative forms of tourism throughout the country, with better income distribution.”
Ms Rapti also pointed out that the short-term objectives include boosting the demand for domestic tourism, establishing accessible tourism policies and improving quality.
Closing her speech, she stressed: “It is a great honour to work with the Minister and friend Olga Kefalogianni to win the bet in tourism for 2023 and for the years to come. I pledge that I will make every effort to implement our government’s vision for tourism.”
