“The tourism sector has supported the economy and work in Greece,” said Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni on Friday morning on SKAI and the program ATARIASTI.

“2023 was a record year both in terms of arrivals and revenues and in fact according to data from the Central Bank, receipts showed an increase of 15.7% and amounted to 20.5 billion euros, we understand that this is a huge offer to the economy and in the local market,” he added

Regarding the new season, she stated that “it has started with very positive messages as Greece and specifically Athens is being promoted as a tourist destination for the whole year and this is the bet”

“We want to extend the tourist season for other regions of Greece, as we have managed to do in Athens”, stressed Mrs. Kefalogianni.

She, however, emphasized that there should be the right infrastructure so that this move can be supported.

“The issue of real estate does not concern only tourism but the entire government, it has turned into a social issue. The current government has put in place a legislative framework that is more about tax measures, but I think there should also be an additional measure in order to create a stricter framework for short-term rentals. To release properties that unfairly compete with hotels, which do not have the appropriate specifications.”

Finally, Mrs. Kefalogianni recalled the “Tourism for All” program and recommended that citizens use it not only for summer vacations but also for winter ones.