Greece is not just summer and islands, notes Angela Gerekou, president of the Greek National Tourism Organization, in her speech, emphasizing that the real challenge – and opportunity – for our country is the extension of the tourist season and the revitalization of the countryside and small villages that are abandoned.
Mrs. Gerekou speaks of a new model of qualitative and substantial development, based on nature, local production and slow tourism that will be able to keep our villages alive, attract young people and strengthen the local economy, explains the president of the Greek National Tourism Organization. In support of the above goal, Mrs. Gerekou proposes the following:
1. Ecovillages & Self-Sufficient Communities
Programs that attract young entrepreneurs and families for permanent settlement.
Creation of sustainable settlements with autonomy in energy and food.
Strengthening the exchange economy and small cooperatives.
2. Agritourism & Gastronomy
Agritourism farms with experiential experiences (olive harvesting, beekeeping, traditional cheeses).
Local producers’ markets, gastronomic festivals, and “farm-to-table” restaurants.
3. Cultural & Historical Tourism
Revival of old arts and traditional professions.
Conversion of abandoned buildings into guesthouses, workshops or museums.
Local festivals and customs create a stream of visitors all year round.
4. Slow & Sustainable Tourism
Network of hiking, cycling, and horse riding trails.
Wellness retreats and holistic therapies in traditional settlements.
Incentives for digital nomads to work and live in villages with appropriate infrastructure.
5 Economic Incentives & Financing
Targeted NSRF programs for entrepreneurs in the countryside.
Tax breaks for those investing in the region.
Incubators for innovative local businesses.
Returning to nature and our roots can be a lever for growth, notes Angela Gerekou, who emphasizes that Greece can offer quality of life and sustainable opportunities, attracting people looking for more than just a summer destination. “Now is the time to invest in the real Greece, the one that lives and creates 365 days a year,” she concludes.
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
