Tourism is fully recovering after two years of difficulties due to the pandemic. The key industry for Greece is restarting its potential and moving into a new period. The upward trend of Greek tourism, which has already begun, is of course a driving force for the overall recovery of the Greek economy.
Tourism is fully recovering after two years of difficulties due to the pandemic. The key industry for Greece is restarting its potential and moving into a new period. The upward trend of Greek tourism, which has already begun, is of course a driving force for the overall recovery of the Greek economy.
The indications, just before the start of the summer season, are particularly positive, since, according to data from the Greek Ministry of Tourism (May 2022), only for the first fortnight of May, 1 million air arrivals were planned, while major tour operators anticipate doubling their arrivals to Greece. Particular momentum is developing in the cruise and marine tourism sector, where we had increase in cruise by 180% in the port of Thessaloniki, 130% in Piraeus and 55% in Heraklion, while at Easter the occupancy of accommodation in popular tourist destinations on the mainland, as well as in the island country, even reached 100%.
Along with the restart of tourism, the need to reposition business strategy involved with the industry. With the flow investments to grow and for Greece to be a sought-after destination for the whole year, the time has come for new pillars to emerge in the tourism industry.
Service upgrade
One of the most basic is, of course, the upgrade and expansion of the services offered. After the pandemic, industry customers now come with new demands, changed and possibly looking for different and higher quality experiences. As Greece is a country with a rich cultural heritage and tradition and many advantages regarding it offering authentic experiences, it is important to emphasize this area so that the tourist can enjoy personalized and unforgettable experiences. By highlighting the beauty of the landscapes, the variety of choices, the local products and the authenticity of Greek gastronomy, Greek tourism will level up and remain competitive. It is important that your customer creates a beautiful memory with the help of the services that you will offer him, so focus on improving them, whether they concern the quality of his stay, or additional features and options, such as the availability of bicycles for short rides, the organization of sports activities and wellness programs, the creative employment of children, etc.
Digital transformation
Another important factor to consider in this new era is the transition of tourism companies to the new digital age. With the help of technology, the industry can be significantly transformed, as new solutions that take advantage of automation and modern devices can lead to the offer of new upgraded services and products, while helping the staff of the business to serve customers better and faster.
Sustainable development
Of course, special importance must also be given to the field of sustainable development, which, in addition to benefits for the environment, can lead a company to greater efficiency, but also development opportunities, as more and more funds are now invested in businesses that follow the principles of sustainability. A sustainable tourism business, making optimal use of environmental resources and respecting the community in which it is located, can emerge economically and upgrade the entire local community as a whole. In addition, a greener business profile is increasingly attractive to younger generations of visitors.
Upskilling of human resources
Of course, as much as your business changes in equipment or service quality, you must also invest in the human factor. It is necessary upgrading skills of human resources, which must be trained for the new digital era, so that they can face the new challenges and adapt to the changes that are coming. The new era of tourism creates new specialties and new jobs, with investment in human resources being one of the most important priorities.
Opportunities and actions that support the industry
Initiatives that highlight the industry and offer the companies that make it up the support and help they need should be highlighted. THE Eurobank has been supporting the tourism sector for the last 12 years, recognizing the contribution of tourism to the development of the Greek economy, with the “Business Banking Tourism” program, which is a comprehensive proposal, adapted to the particular needs of every small and medium-sized business, in whatever sector it operates. It is a program of exclusive privileges, banking and non-banking services, which is addressed to all tourism businesses throughout the country and all the businesses of the island regions and Halkidiki. Emphasis is also placed on branches, which are offered additional privileges, in addition to the basic package of a banking relationship, such as hotels, tourist agencies, rent a car throughout Greece, catering and jewelry-souvenir shops.
Through the program, a business can secure privileges on their business account and save money on their transactions. He can use modern means of collection and payment, with low or even free fees and to obtain financing with reduced appraisal and borrowing costs. At the same time, it has the support of the bank to take advantage of development programs with preferential terms for its business and investment steps.
However, non-bank privileges are also available for the company. Thus, it can take advantage of tools for free exposure around the world and improve its digital image. You can even enhance them digital infrastructures of your business with privileges and subsidies in specialized information systems and to obtain innovative services and competitive advantages for its digital transition. You can get the certification CoVid-Shield and yes certify the classification of your hotel in a category stars, to upgrade energetically your business and renew your equipment. In addition, you have the ability to organize educational seminars for your employees to acquire the skills a hotel business needs.
In a very strong year that Greek tourism is expected to have, it is important that the businesses in the sector seize the opportunities that emerge and be able to evolve. Programs like Eurobank’s Business Banking Tourism offer the possibilities for companies that want to lay the foundations for a better tomorrow, to find the solutions they are looking for and to innovate.
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