A top international distinction, of particular importance for the promotion of Greece as a global example of safe opening of tourism, was awarded to Greece the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC). The prize «Global Champion Award for COVID-19 Crisis Management» received the Minister for Tourism Haris Theocharis, at a special event during the proceedings of the annual WTCC World Congress, which this year is being held in Cancun, Mexico.
Commenting on Greece's award from the WTCC, Mr Theocharis said:
«I feel very honoured for this excellent - and extremely meaningful - distinction for Greece. I warmly thank the World Travel and Tourism Council for offering me the opportunity, in my capacity as Minister of Tourism, to accept this award on behalf of the Greek government, on behalf of my entire country. The ’Global Champion Award for COVID-19 Crisis Management‘ honours the entire Greek tourism industry. The WTCC recognises the effort - the over-effort at best - with which the employees, the entrepreneurs and all those involved in the provision of tourism services have contributed to an unprecedented success for Greece.
We all succeeded together to keep the national tourist product alive during an unprecedented difficult period. And at the same time we succeeded in keeping hope alive for millions of people around the world, demonstrating in practice that health security can be achieved. And security can in turn make travel possible, even under siege from pandemic.
Receiving this great award, representing my country, I feel closer than ever to every Greek who works in the national tourism industry, to every Greek citizen who toils every day to ensure that Greece lives up to the expectations of all those who visit or plan to visit it from every corner of the world. The ‘Global Champion Award for COVID-19 Crisis Management’ is a certification that Greece is a leading tourist destination, with exemplary implementation of health protocols, with original and innovative solutions, with an unparalleled level of care for every traveller, for every family or group of tourists. Today's award confirms that the ‘brand name Greece’ has not accidentally become synonymous with safety and carefree holidays».
