“Effectively dealing with the challenges posed by the increase in tourist activity with rules and a system of controls is a modern necessity and the national strategy for tourism is oriented in this direction.”

The above is pointed out by the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni in her article in the Economic Post entitled “Sustainable tourism development and management of destinations” and in which she lists the strategy and policies for a qualitative development of tourism.

Olga Kefalogianni, after mentioning the great contribution of tourism to the national economy, cites the data from the first months of 2024 which show an increase of up to 16% compared to the corresponding period last year which is a reference point for visitors and revenues.

The increase in tourist flows, adds the Minister of Tourism, is accompanied by challenges, such as the effects on the natural and man-made environment as well as the saturation observed in popular destinations, which results in the creation of malfunctions and the reactions of local societies. He even points out that short-term rental properties and cruising have intensified the issues raised by local communities.

And he emphasizes:

”Therefore a redesign is required in order to adapt these activities to the measure of the country of the local societies and the infrastructure of our destinations. The will of the Government to set additional operating rules is a given in order to have an additional matching of the economic benefit that arises for local communities, and which is currently disproportionate in relation to the burden.”

Determining the policies and actions for the future of tourism, Olga Kefalogianni emphasizes that “the participation of local communities in the management of tourism activity is a strategic choice to ensure that the benefits from tourism are distributed fairly and remuneratively.”