“With the coordinated effort of the state, regional and local government and the private sector, Athens is among the most popular destinations for city breaks“, emphasized the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, speaking at the 1st Athens Talks, the interactive forum, an initiative of the Region of Attica and the Regional Governor Nikos Hardalia, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Culture Center.

“With targeted promotional actions, strengthening of extroversion and international collaborations, we prepared the ground for a dynamic restart of the tourism economy. We succeeded in reversing the negative climate for the city of Athens, which was formed during the crisis, and today Athens has won the steady preference of millions of visitors» underlined the Minister of Tourism,

Mrs. Kefalogianni referred to the catalytic role played by tourism development in the economic and social life of the Region and pointed out that official figures show that 2024 will be the new year – a reference for tourism figures, above and beyond the levels of 2023.

“There is a significant increase in demand during the off-peak tourist months which is particularly evident in Athens, which has now emerged as a year-round destination“, he emphasized.

The Minister of Tourism highlighted the regeneration of the coastal front, the major development projects, such as the emblematic investment of Hellinikon, the significant investment activity in the Athenian Riviera and also the urban areas, which overall shape the environment for the further promotion of Attica as a destination of global reach and give a new perspective to the Region, which will combine many different travel experiences and options.

Mrs. Kefalogianni made a brief reference to the institutional interventions of the Ministry of Tourism, pointing out:

  • The establishment of the Regional Tourism Council with the aim of strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Government and the Regions.
  • Improving the framework for the operation of Destination Management and Promotion Organizations, DMMOs that contributes to the promotion of cooperation between government, local administrations and the private sector.
  • The establishment of a Wine Tourism Council, and the establishment of certifications for wine tourism businesses.
  • The formation of a more favorable framework for investments, by simplifying procedures related to the licensing of tourist infrastructures.

“With particular satisfaction, we see that in addition to Greek businesses, some of the largest international hotel groups are investing in our country, and of course to a large extent in Attica, significantly upgrading the level of tourist infrastructure“, said the Minister of Tourism.

Also, in the implementation phase, as noted by Mrs. Kefalogianni, are included projects that will contribute to the enrichment of the tourist product and support a series of special forms of tourism:

  • Digital platform for marine tourism that will present all of the country’s marine tourism infrastructure.
  • Digital Platform for diving and underwater tourism, which will include functions such as an interactive map of diving and underwater destinations and a digital guide of diving centers.
  • Development of a National Network of Interconnection of Agri-Food, Gastronomy and Tourism. At the same time, for the promotion of Agritourism and Gastronomy and a digital platform, it will include an interactive map to capture agritourism and culinary resources throughout the country.
  • Redesign of VisitGreece, the official tourism portal of the country and creation of a new innovative system that will utilize tools and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and will provide travel information and services in a fast and user-friendly way.

“We upgrade the tourism brand of the country, by upgrading the quality of the tourist offer, at the same time as protecting the destinations, as well as social cohesion in the areas under pressure. We must all invest in an approach that focuses on growth in terms of sustainability, and delivers the most for the economy and society“, underlined the Minister of Tourism.