A clear message about the need to strengthen the institutional role of the Ministry of Tourism and upgrade its cooperation with the sector’s stakeholders is sent by Angelos Kallias, Secretary General of the Panhellenic Hoteliers’ Federation (POX), on the occasion of the meeting between the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni and the Federation’s presidency.
Mr. Kallias emphasizes in Tornos News that “institutional meetings are always very important, in order to update the issues of the sector and to respond immediately to the needs of the market”. At the same time, he points out that “we would like a Ministry with more responsibilities, so that in cooperation with the Minister we can immediately solve our issues”.
The recent meeting was held in a positive atmosphere, confirming the close cooperation between the Ministry and the Hellenic Tourism Organization on the critical issues of the hotel industry and Greek tourism. The emphasis on mountain and alternative tourism, a sector that is gaining increasing importance in the country’s overall tourism strategy, was given by Angelos Kallias following the Ministry’s legislative regulations in this direction.
The discussions focused on proposals for the development of mountain tourism, with the main focus on the transformation of Greece’s 22 ski resorts into multi-thematic mountain entertainment centers, on the standards of Central European ones, so that they can operate sustainably beyond the snow season. As Mr. Kallias notes, this adaptation “will allow mountain resorts to attract visitors all year round, creating new life in local communities and strengthening regional development”.
At the same time, the Secretary General of POX refers to the need for university schools to offer specialization in special forms of tourism, in order to create a new workforce of executives with modern knowledge and professional training. In addition, he proposes the promotion of the country’s protected areas with organized guided tours by specialized professionals, following the example of successful European models.
In addition, Mr. Kallias considers it important to institute educational excursions of an experiential nature, lasting two to seven days, which will aim at the experiential learning of pupils and students through their contact with nature, culture and special forms of tourism.
With his eyes fixed on the winter season, Mr. Kallias emphasizes that expectations are high: “We have a winter season ahead of us where expectations are high and we would like the success of the summer to continue in the winter as well.” He adds that the need for infrastructure, education, short-term rental and the coastline remain firmly high on the POX agenda.
The Federation, as Mr. Kallias notes, remains in constant communication with the Ministry, making interventions and proposals where and when needed, with the aim of a more balanced, modern and sustainable tourism.
