The opening of new markets and the strengthening of existing ones, which will supply Greece with new visitors, is the goal of the Ministry of Tourism to increase tourism revenues in the Greek economy in 2025.
According to what the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, pointed out yesterday at a meeting with journalists, the Indian market is a priority for 2025. In fact, a special mission is being prepared in February to New Delhi focusing on the tourism exhibition being held, as part of the strategic opening of the market and with the aim of boosting the flow of tourism from India to Greece. It was pointed out that entry visas from the Greek authorities are a priority and the Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of External Affairs to open consular offices in Mumbai and Bangalore, along with the Greek Embassy in Delhi.
The ministry also emphasizes traditional markets such as the United States. «In 2024 we had the most direct flights from the US East Coast, we want to explore the possibilities of increasing inbound tourists from the West Coast,» Kefalogianni said.
Markets of interest are Saudi Arabia and South Korea, while the minister made a special reference to the UK market, stressing that in the next few months a bilateral tourism agreement is expected to be signed between the two countries, which will have as its main objective the strengthening of tourist flows. Responding to a question regarding the return of the Parthenon sculptures, the Minister focused on the very good level of talks that the government has achieved by continuing talks with the British government at the highest level, promoting all necessary actions so that the long-standing Greek request becomes global.
At the same time, the first signs for the 2025 tourist season are encouraging. In this context, it is noted that the expenditure of the Greek National Tourism Organization for the promotion of the country in foreign markets next year is expected to exceed 20 million euros.
Regarding the new bill of the Ministry of Tourism, which regulates, among other things, short-term rentals, it will remain in public consultation until 19 December. Kefalogianni stressed that the aim is for accommodation establishments to operate to standards, be inspected and fined for compliance. In particular, a framework for the operation of short-term rental properties with health and safety standards is being introduced for the first time. This framework, among other things, enables the control of the tourism product by the services of the Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the corresponding services of the Independent Public Revenue Authority. In particular, properties should be insured for civil liability for damages or accidents that may occur. In addition, the properties should be premises for the main use, and should have natural light, ventilation and air conditioning. At the same time, a framework for monitoring compliance with the specifications is established (by the services of the Ministry of Tourism and by mixed control teams with employees of the ADDE) with the possibility of imposing sanctions and fines in favour of the Greek State in cases of violations, similar to those applicable to tourist accommodation.
The bill also establishes a pioneering and innovative, globally, classification system for hotel accommodation, based on the principle of sustainability, taking into account their environmental and social footprint. The Ministry's aim is to set a model for Europe, setting the direction as a country on how tourist accommodation should operate. The system is based on a framework developed by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels together with the Technical Chamber of Greece. These provisions have been introduced in accordance with the principles of sustainability and with the aim of developing the tourism business in a sustainable manner. In the context of addressing the consequences of the climate crisis, it is envisaged that the proposed classification system will be aligned with national and European climate objectives.
With regard to swimming pools, the proposed regulations provide for the possibility of carrying out any necessary work for the pumping and withdrawal of sea water, in order to be used in a swimming pool of a main or non-main tourist accommodation. This regulation is introduced in the context of the need for sustainable and viable development, with a view to protecting limited water resources, especially in areas of water scarcity, managing water resources more rationally and ensuring an uninterrupted source of water, particularly during periods of high tourist demand.
The bill also provides the possibility of utilizing the facilities of staff rooms of hotel accommodation (which were established for the first time by article 66 of Law 5121/2024) in order to be made available for lease by staff of the wider public sector (such as doctors and nurses of the NHS, Health Centres, teachers and professors, seasonal firefighters, etc.).
Maria Tsivgeli
