The main pillars for the strategic development of Greek tourism in order to enhance its competitiveness, as well as innovative tools and appropriate actions in this direction, were the main topics analysed during an event co-organised on Saturday 11 November, SETE, the INSETE and Marketing Greece in the framework of the ^38th International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia.

During his speech, the SETE’s Executive Advisor, Mr. Alexander Thanos pointed out that Greek tourism is facing new challenges and opportunities. In this context, SETE, based on the National Strategy for Tourism – Action Plans 2030, focuses on five main strategic pillars for the development of the sector: investment, infrastructure, destination management, labour market and sustainability. At the same time, he stressed the importance of cooperation with the Local Government and the private sector, adding that the Association with its business arms, INSETE and Marketing Greece, work systematically to support businesses and destinations.

In the context of the event, INSETE presented the Greek Tourism Analytics Dashboard (GTAD) platform in pilot form, which will be the first integrated data hub for Greek tourism when fully developed. The Institute, in collaboration with Quantos and APOPSI Business Group, creates a modern and intelligent system for the analysis of statistical data from various sources, open data and big data that responds to individual needs for data, visualizes them and transforms them into insightful information for decision-making based on market data, for a range of business issues such as market segmentation, demand forecasting, optimization of marketing actions, investment planning, etc. Moreover, this new platform, which will be launched in the coming period, will integrate all the Institute’s business intelligence tools.

O Scientific Director of the Institute, Mr. Ares Ikkos, stressed that INSETE is systematically investing in the use of data for evidence-based information, noting that the aim of the project is to create a data analysis and synthesis space with multiple uses such as national, regional and local planning and support for business activities. In his presentation, he emphasized that GTAD is based on a complex and modern database and incorporates cutting-edge technology (e.g. application of Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence/AI), international data presentation standards, as well as the principles of full accessibility of content by all users. A real-time demonstration of GTAD was given by Mrs. Nymphodora– Maria Raftopoulou, Project Manager – Data Analyst of APOPSI Group of Companies, showcasing the “smart” user experience, the personalized functionalities and the platform’s capabilities to produce optimized reports in both Greek and English.

The Director General of Marketing Greece, κ. Nikos Diamantopoulos, presenting the actions and initiatives that the company plans and implements, stressed the need for repositioning the Greek tourism product, noting that “The challenges that Greek tourism is called upon to face are the ones that will lead it into the new era. It is necessary to capitalize on the know-how that Greek tourism has acquired, to share knowledge, but also to join forces with everyone. This is the way to achieve our goals and give Greek tourism the necessary impetus to take the next dynamic steps.”

The event was coordinated by SETE’s Presidential Advisor, Mrs. Martha Kesisoglou.

Also, in the framework of Philoxenia:

• The President of SETE, Mr. Yannis Paraschis addressed the Council of Presidents of the WEX Associations.
• The Executive Advisor of SETE, Mr. Alexandros Thanos participated in a panel at Philoxenia Forum 2023 on “What is Hyper-Tourism in reality and how to deal with it. He also took part in a survey organized by Alpha Marketing and the Business Future Institute on how Local Authorities, other public and private bodies and tourism businesses are affected and respond to the dynamically changing environment.
• The Director General of SETE, Mrs. Maria Gatsou, participated in a roundtable discussion on “Smart Tourism: smart innovations towards 2030” at a workshop co-organised by the International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation and Bournemouth University.
• The General Manager of Marketing Greece, Nikos Diamantopoulos, attended the Council of Presidents of Associations of POX and gave a speech at the 3rd Bike Friendly Forum.
• OSEETE was present at the exhibition at Stand No B13, Booth 15.