- The message that Santorini is returning to normality, remaining a safe and hospitable destination ready to welcome its public with responsibility and selected management measures for the benefit of visitors and residents, was sent by the Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Andreas Fiorentinos, speaking today at a special event organized by Expedia Group for the island’s hoteliers.
The Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) underlined that, in collaboration with the local government and under the valuable guidance of expert scientists, the GNT “is already implementing a targeted action plan, in a strategy based on two axes: strengthening trust in international markets and promoting Santorini as a top of mind destination in the country, with a positive projection of the authentic experiences of the island and highlighting its unique volcanic character as a comparative advantage that differentiates Santorini from any other destination in the world”.
Mr. Fiorentinos referred in detail to the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism and the GNT to address publicity and promote updated information and positive news about the island, as well as the wider Cyclades region, while he made special mention of the possibilities for further development of the US and Canadian markets, which are very important for the island and priority objectives for the GNT.
The contribution of hoteliers is decisive in maintaining authenticity
Speaking specifically about the role of the island’s hoteliers, the Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) underlined that they constitute the “backbone of the tourist identity of destinations. Through the hospitality you offer daily, you keep the vision of authentic Santorini alive and shape the experiences that will remain indelible in the memory of every visitor”, adding that “all the elements that make Santorini so special are the responsibility of all of us to protect and highlight them. Maintaining the authenticity of our place is inextricably linked to the quality and sustainability of tourism development”.
And he concluded, saying: “To ensure a future in which Santorini will continue to stand out and offer authentic experiences, we need comprehensive planning based on measure. It is necessary to implement protection rules, rationally manage tourist flows, and strengthen infrastructure to offer a quality experience to visitors. Your contribution is crucial. With your participation and cooperation, we can achieve even greater quality improvement, extend the tourist season, and strengthen our comparative advantage: the uniqueness of Santorini.”
It is noted that Expedia Group is the largest international online travel services organization, with annual sales for Greece exceeding 1.5 billion euros.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
