“I have the ambition to make Greece the number one tourist destination in the world in terms of quality,” the prime minister said in the context of “Reimagine Tourism 2025”.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a discussion with Victoria Hislop in the context of the “Reimagine Tourism 2025” conference, when asked about the Parthenon Marbles, said that this is a complex issue and that it is no secret that we are in discussions with the British Museum.
“I do not believe that we have made as much progress as we would like. I will always advocate that the Parthenon Marbles must return. I will personally insist. I don’t think we are close to a positive outcome, but public opinion in the United Kingdom is changing in our favor,” the prime minister stressed, while Victoria Hislop said that it should happen and that we see the monument in its entirety.
Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated that it is like cutting the Mona Lisa in half and stressed that he would continue our campaign. “We are building a coalition not only of Greeks, but there are other friends of Greece who are adding their voice to this just request,” he said.
“We can offer the British Museum a mutually beneficial cooperation. This does not mean that we do not have a legitimate claim,” he stressed, among other things.
The prime minister also stated that Greece is moving in the right direction. “We maintain a unique product in terms of what we can offer. The country has left the difficult times behind. When we talk about Greece as a destination country for travelers, I have the ambition to make Greece the number one tourist destination in the world in terms of quality,” he stressed.
Mr. Mitsotakis noted regarding excessive construction that we should make it clear that we will respect the natural environment.
When asked if it is in the government’s plans to help the less touristic areas, the Prime Minister said that the big challenge is to extend the tourist season and provide the opportunity for many experiences.
“There are so many attractions, so much that we have to offer on a cultural level. Today, I had an appointment with a representative from the most important cruise companies. There is a tendency towards Mykonization. They should also find new destinations. I ask the minister to find an ecological label in order to increase our destinations. Our aim is to support investments. We do not need support for the most developed destinations, but for the less developed ones. “A great job was done in Messinia with Costa Navarino,” he said, among other things.
Mr. Mitsotakis added that we live in a small country that has different traditions, customs, and climate, and this opens up the opportunity to have a differentiation in our product. “I want people to visit Greece, buy Greek products and come back to other destinations, possibly. There is great potential that we must exploit and continue by promoting investments in marinas or in sustainable solutions that have to do with the development of new destinations,” he added.
When asked about the characteristic of hospitality and authenticity of the Greeks and how we will protect it, Mr. Mitsotakis initially referred to our crafts.
“These are professions and arts that have been passed down from one generation to another. Let’s think about local cuisine. All of this has economic value. The great challenge for the state is to preserve them, while also ensuring their economic value. A fisherman, for example, can have additional income if he gives boat rides to tourists in the afternoon. This requires training, education. We need to train and certify guides for mountain routes. So, this requires a shift from the state itself. There are people who are looking for this authenticity and you will find it in any part of Greece you go to. I completely agree with the slogan that Greece is full of surprises.”
Asked what the cultural achievements are today, Mr. Mitsotakis said that there is a vibrant cultural scene today. “We have every reason to be proud of our contemporary art and heritage. There are not many cities like Athens that offer multiple stimuli and this great creativity. There is tension in cultural production. After the crises we have been through, it was something to be expected,” he said.
Asked what would be a destination he would recommend to a foreign visitor to Greece, with the exception of the White Mountains, the Prime Minister said that if it were an island it would be Tinos or he would choose Lemnos.
“It may also remind me a little of Scotland because of its geology. And Zagori if they asked me for a mountain destination. Many foreign visitors have discovered it and we see the potential of our mountain destinations here,” he added.
