INTERVIEW OF THE MINISTER OF TOURISM, Ms Sofia ZAHARAKI

TO PANAGIOTA SURTZI

 

Mrs Sophia Zacharaki, a person full of energy and appetite for meaningful work, after two years of assuming her duties as Deputy Minister of Tourism, has a rich portfolio to show. From promotion programmes, strengthening domestic tourism to actions for tourism education and the promotion of tourism awareness. In her interview with grtraveller, the Deputy Minister makes special reference to winter tourism and the actions of the Ministry for its promotion.

 

“The excellent dynamics of Greek tourism

that exceeded all expectations this year,

we will do our best

to continue this dynamic in winter destinations as well”

 

We are at the beginning of winter in a post- covid-19 era. What actions has the Ministry of Tourism taken to promote winter tourism and what are your expectations for this winter?

Indeed, it will be the first winter in which we are not expected to have any restrictive measures and therefore all Greeks and our visitors will be able to enjoy the unique winter tourism opportunities of our country. This year, the promotion campaign continues, which for the first time last year had a section dedicated to winter tourism – the famous “Greece does have a winter”. In addition, an action is being implemented to promote winter tourist flights. And we are already laying the foundations for the future, by promoting the largest investment programme in mountain and winter tourism of €56 million from the Recovery Fund, with infrastructure upgrades to ski resorts, mountain refuges and mountain trails. In addition, the cruise industry will also contribute with winter cruises. Based on the booking data, and despite the global adversities of the energy and inflationary crisis, there is optimism that the extremely positive dynamics of Greek tourism, which exceeded all expectations this year, will continue this winter.

What incentives will be given to Greeks to travel to the country during the winter months?

The upgraded “Tourism for All” programme is of key importance for the strengthening of domestic tourism. We have arranged for this year’s programme to be extended for the entire winter season until June 2023. To the 275,000 beneficiaries who can already use the digital cards for a stay of 150 € (200 € for disabled people) in any hotel and accommodation in the country, 125,000 more will be added during the winter months, following a new draw

.

 

The total of 400,000 beneficiaries are expected to give a significant further boost to winter tourism. At the same time, our country today has more winter tourism options than ever before, offering possibilities that can satisfy every visitor.

Greek hospitality enters primary schools with the “Filoxenia MY” programme that you recently announced in cooperation with the Greek Hospitality Association. What are the objectives and perspectives of the programme?

Hospitality is an identity element of the Greeks, and it is the basis of our strategic advantage in tourism, the mainstay of our national economy. That is why, together with XEE, the Ministry of Education and the IEP, we have launched an effort so that for the first time, the country’s students have the opportunity to get in touch with the world of Greek hospitality, to get to know the importance of the tourism sector for our society and economy, to consolidate the application of the principles of sustainability in the field of tourism and finally to develop their own ideas and proposals. At the same time, through the innovative educational material, students will be able to approach the elements that make up the identity of our country, the unique beauties of each place, its culture and tradition. To become the best ambassadors of their country. This is the first relevant initiative at a pan-European level, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to the President of the XEE, Alexandros Vasilikos, the competent Deputy Minister of Education, Zeta Makri, the IEP and the team of teachers, special educators and sociologists who contributed substantially to the development of the original and high-quality material of the programme.

What are the Ministry of Tourism’s plans for tourism education and how do they change the current situation?

We are proceeding with the creation of a Tourism Academy with a strong extroverted character and research component, with the upgrading of our schools’ programs, with the addition of new specialties (e.g. thalassotherapy in post-graduate training, room hospitality, travel agency services at the IEK Macedonia Tourism based in Thessaloniki). We are also launching the largest skills upgrading programme to date, worth €46 million. € from the Recovery Fund for thousands of tourism workers and unemployed people. At the same time, we have already promoted the re-establishment and the new regulation of the IEKs, which upgrades their operation, the start of the IEKs and the ASTEs already from 17 October for the first time in their history, while the start of further training is planned around mid-December. Also, an important development is the implementation of the Prime Minister’s announcement with an increase in the housing allowance for students of our IEKs from 1,000 to 1,500 €, with retroactive effect for students of our IEKs.

 

In January you will be completing two years at the Ministry of Tourism. What do you consider to be the milestones in your tenure as Deputy Minister so far?

The biggest challenge was undoubtedly managing the recovery of Greek tourism from the biggest crisis in its history. I am particularly proud that from my position of responsibility I had the opportunity to contribute to the dynamic recovery of 2021 and to exceed expectations for 2022, with a significant increase in spending per visitor. In this, an important role was played by the continuous emphasis we have placed on alternative forms of tourism, with the actions we have implemented and are implementing to upgrade their infrastructure, their visibility and their participation in the Greek tourism product. I consider particularly important the emphasis on the many options that the traveller has throughout Greece beyond the classic diptych of sun and sea. I am also particularly pleased to be responsible for the implementation of the largest programme of support for domestic tourism, the Tourism for All programme and the many important changes we have brought about to make it a direct and meaningful programme for the entrepreneur and the traveller. Among the most important milestones in our course so far, I highlight the initiative we took to mobilize the municipalities for the process of highlighting gastronomic destinations through the international UNESCO list and the great success of Thessaloniki, as well as the promotion of Greek villages in the World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Villages process. And of course a very special moment was the recent development on the hospitality programme for primary schools which we have been working on persistently and systematically for the last 15 months. At the same time, as I mentioned before, important steps forward have been taken for tourism education, which we are continuing. What has been achieved in Greek tourism is due to the synergies of all its people, in the private and public sector. And they are not a reason to rest, but a realization of our power to achieve even more.

 

What fills you with energy every day and what relaxes you after a long day?

The contact with our fellow citizens and the small daily team victories give me energy. I am also energized by the good results we have achieved in recent years in Greek tourism, which also fills us with a high sense of responsibility! Outside of work, an hour of playing with my nephews and godchildren both fills me up and “empties” me of energy!:-)) As for relaxation, a few moments of peace in the evening, with an interesting book, favorite series and a glass of excellent Greek wine. But above all, quality time with lovely people.

 

What are your two favourite destinations in Greece and abroad?

I’ll tell you about two of my favorite domestic ones. As far as mountain destinations are concerned, it could not be other than my family’s homeland, Evritania, with the wild beauty of its mountains and nature. However, as far as more coastal and lowland destinations are concerned, the destinations of Attica are an excellent choice. Their location so close to Athens makes them ideal for excursions, especially as they now offer a plethora of options, from the coast to the mainland. If I have to choose a place abroad, I’ll tell you Madrid! Amazing city, full of life and quality!