With the backdrop of last year’s successful year, which is now the new reference year for Greek tourism, as well as the latest developments with seismic activity in the Santorini and Amorgos region, the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, inaugurated HORECA 2025, the leading exhibition for the hospitality and catering industry.
In her opening remarks, the Minister highlighted the dynamics of Greek tourism, the government’s strategies for the sustainable development of the industry, as well as the challenges facing the tourism sector.
Referring to the seismic activity observed in the Santorini and Amorgos region, Ms. Kefalogiannis assured that the competent authorities are in constant monitoring and consultation with the scientific community, adding that today the Prime Minister was on the island to be informed about the situation. And he stressed:
“Greece is a country with experience in managing natural phenomena and has a well-organized mechanism for dealing with emergencies. Especially in recent years, after all, through difficult conditions and adversities, Greek tourism has managed to emerge as a leading player at a global level…”
The Minister of Tourism highlighted the significant increase recorded by Greek tourism in 2024, with receipts exceeding 21 billion euros. Particularly noteworthy, he added, was the increase in tourist traffic during the months outside the summer peak, which is a positive sign for the extension of the tourist season.
Ms. Kefalogianni referred to the strategic planning of the Ministry of Tourism, which capitalizes on opportunities and responds to modern challenges and has as its central objective the qualitative development of tourism that will ensure the balance between economic progress, the promotion and protection of the natural and cultural environment and the well-being of local communities.
“With substantial interventions in the institutional framework, the utilization of financial tools, and investment in new technologies and communication tools, we aim to enrich the tourism offer, the promotion of unique travel experiences that promote tourism in all regions of the country, and throughout the year,” she said characteristically.
The Minister pointed out the key role of hotel and catering businesses in shaping the new era of Greek tourism. As she stated, the integration of sustainability practices, innovation, and diversification of tourism services are essential to maintaining the country’s competitiveness as a global destination.
Concluding her speech, Ms. Kefalogianni praised the importance of HORECA as an institution that promotes development and innovation in the tourism and food industry.
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
