With positive messages about the course of tourism and a significant increase in revenues, arrivals, and overnight stays across the country, the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, met with the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) at the Ministry of Tourism.
The Minister emphasized that the increase in tourism revenues is a clear indication of the resilience and momentum of Greek tourism, confirming the sector’s crucial contribution to the national economy and employment. As she noted, the Ministry’s goal is to maintain this positive trajectory, with emphasis on quality, sustainability, and spreading the benefits throughout the country.
From POX’s side, the Board members pointed out that the rise in average spending per visitor leads to a significant strengthening of revenues both for hotels and for local communities.
At the same time, industry representatives highlighted the positive contribution of the Ministry’s legislative initiative to regulate the framework for short-term property rentals, noting its relevance not only for the hospitality sector but also for broader social issues such as housing.
The discussion then turned to the importance of Destination Management and Marketing Organizations (DMMOs), underlining the need for further development and promotion of destinations—an essential factor in extending the tourism season.
Ms. Kefalogianni stressed that the Ministry is examining ways to strengthen and enrich the institution of DMMOs, as well as destination promotion, which is high on the agenda of the Regional Tourism Council.
Reference was also made to the strengthening of mountain tourism, with the Minister highlighting that for the first time, the promotion of mountain tourism is being strategically advanced. This is reflected in a series of legislative initiatives undertaken by the Ministry, projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and promotional actions. The implementation of this strategy has already resulted in a significant increase in revenues during the winter and shoulder months in both 2024 and 2025.
The meeting also touched on progress regarding the Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, issues of environmental licensing, and the persistent challenge of staff shortages in the sector.
Finally, detailed proposals were discussed on how to enrich the tourism product, aiming to achieve the shared strategic goal of increasing visitor numbers year-round and across all regions of the country.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, Ms. Vasiliki Koutsoukou, and the Minister’s Special Advisor, Mr. Konstantinos Zikos. From POX, participants included President Mr. Yiannis Hatzis, Alternate President Mr. Manolis Giannoulis, Second Vice President Mr. Iraklis Tsitlakidis, Third Vice President Mr. Konstantinos Marinakos, Secretary General Mr. Angelos Kallias, Vice President of Finance Mr. Gerasimos Timotheatos, Public Relations Officer Mr. Charalambos Voulgaris, International Relations Officer Mr. Iordanis Michailidis, Board Member Ms. Konstantina Svynou, and Legal Counsel Mr. Nikos Zoitos.
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