Tourism Ministry Olga Kefalogiannis in ITB.

Amidst a fluid geopolitical environment, with outbreaks that arise every so often by triggering chain reactions but also with climate change affecting the whole spectrum of economic correlations, tourism is an area that is objectively under pressure.

In fact, Greek tourism is also a new reality that the country is facing, as the Tourism Ministry of Tourism Olga Kefalogiannis points out from the International Tourism Fair of Tourism in Berlin.

“Tourism is an area vulnerable and sensitive to geopolitical developments and other challenges, but what we have proven as Greece in recent years is that we have responded with complete competence and effectiveness to all crises. We are now embedded as a durable destination, a competitive destination and a destination that offers security to visitors. This is also the message we want to maintain for the year that is coming and the next ones, “he said, speaking to correspondents.

For her, however, the messages for Greece remain positive, as Greece remains a leading tourist destination internationally. Beyond that, tourism is an area of ​​peace, while peace also depends on the recovery of markets that have been situated in recent years because of wars.

Climate crisis and expansion of a tourist season

“The viability bet is a horizontal policy that runs through all our decisions and all our moves. Obviously it is also of great value to see how the market is facing the sustainability markets and it is very positive that all representatives of the German tourism market raise the question of the expansion of a tourist season on their own, “Olga Kefalogiannis said in a question about the new needs of climate change.

In practice, all problematic is related to the displacement of holiday season for tourists who have been steadily observed for years in months with more remarkable temperatures than classic Greek summer. This phenomenon was also observed in 2024 with a large increase in tourist traffic in the first five months of the year, January to May, while perhaps “the best October of all time” was recorded and a very good November, according to the Tourism Ministry.

As he typically says, in addition to the diffusion of tourist benefit over time, Greece also seeks to diffuse into space. “There are seven regions in the country that is still far behind in terms of tourism development, but they offer another kind of tourist product in this particular situation, which people are looking for experiences closer to nature, more authentic experiences.” This “product” focuses on nature, alternative activities, well -being, agrotourism, mountain tourism and gastronomy, Olga Kefalogiannis notes.

Optimistic messages for Santorini

Lately at the heart of international interest, Santorini, one of the most emblematic tourist destinations in the world, has been identified as a picture with the brandname “Greece”, due to the unprecedented seismic activity on the island.

Olga Kefalogiannis from Berlin reassures the tourist movement, emphasizing Santorini’s security and referring to scientists. The state of uncertainty mainly concerned February, when scientists could not provide answers: “I think that once the scientific community gives us green light to move on, it essentially allows the market to work, as always. In any case, it is important to say that -because security is important. If we need to take measures next year, we will take them. “

Tempi: “A national tragedy we will never forget”

Responding to a DW question about the Greek infrastructure and transmission network that is integrally linked to tourism, Olga Kefalogiannis points out that from a tourist point of view and because of geographical location, Greece is a country accessible from abroad mainly by air.

“Tourism always has to do with infrastructure projects and there is already the planning for infrastructure projects on both motorways and the upgrading of ports,” the Greek minister said.

Specifically on the burning issue of the state of the Greek rail network in the shadow of Tempi, he says in DW: As you know very well, the issue of railways is the great challenge for the present government but also a matter that we all need to look at in completely different terms.

“For all of us, the unpleasant occasion is the tragedy of the Tempi, it is a national tragedy, which we will never forget and the only way for all of us to honor the memory of all those lost there is to make sure that such a tragic accident will never happen again in our country. So yes: Upgrading both the railway network as well as security conditions for any means of transport and any infrastructure, for residents and visitors. “