The Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) will hold a meeting with the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, tomorrow, at a time when the tourism sector is in the process of evaluating the summer season, but also with open issues that are of great concern to the industry.
During the meeting, a detailed report is expected on the course of tourism during this year’s summer season, with the first data showing a positive sign in arrivals and occupancy, however with serious complaints from businessmen about issues such as the implementation of the digital work card. According to POX, this specific measure has led to a significant increase in labor costs, causing intense concern among hoteliers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
At the same time, critical infrastructure issues will be raised, which directly affect the sustainability and quality of tourist destinations – with typical examples being island areas that are called upon to manage an excessive number of visitors every summer, without the necessary infrastructure in terms of water supply, sanitation, transport and energy.
The meeting will also be attended by the president of the Institute of Tourism Research and Forecasting (ITEP) and KEPE, Konstantina Svinou, who will present the latest quantitative and qualitative data regarding this year’s season. Particular emphasis will be given to the South Aegean region, where – according to the data so far – a remarkable increase in both tourist traffic and revenue is being recorded, which confirms the region’s dynamics, but also the need to strengthen infrastructure and competitiveness.
This is another meeting with its own special weight, where representatives of the hotel industry are expected to ask the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism for substantial support on critical issues that affect the operation of businesses, the quality of services provided, and the overall image of Greek tourism.
