So far the Greek tourism does not seem to have a negative impact on the current context, as the president said AegeanMr. Eftichios Vassilakis, during his placement on the panels in the 10th Delphi Economic Forum.
Specifically, the Aegean president stated that “to the extent that the present situation does not receive permanent characteristics, Greek tourism does not seem to be affected, nor has anything to fear, at least for the time being,” adding: “today the reservations from America, but also as a whole, do not seem to have been influenced by it. The only small halt, but it did not last long, came because of the situation in Santorini. “
Starting his position on the contribution of tourism to the Greek economy, Mr. Vassilakis stressed that “tourism supported the Greek economy and contributed decisively to the country’s exit from the crisis, but the value added from tourism cannot be the only pillar of the country. We need balance and more productive sectors with dynamic and durability to enhance the competitiveness and viability of the Greek economy. But certainly, more legal certainty and predictability so that business dynamics can thrive. “
He continued he noted that “the” industry or tourism “dilemma is in practice pseudo -forest. Complementarity and positive interdependence are a given, because one produces products and customers for the other. The only “competition” found today is the competition to attract talent, but this is positive, primarily for the workers themselves. What is missing from the country is more productive sectors with dynamic and certainly more legal certainty and predictability. “
Concerning the geopolitical juncture and the possibility of imposing duties especially on the air industry, and in particular on the aircraft, the Aegean president emphasized that “air tariffs do not benefit anyone. An aircraft is made of accessories from 50-60 countries. If duties are imposed, all that will be done is to be expensive for both Europe and the US, without any real benefit to someone. “
In relation to the business environment he said: “I cannot think that investment logic should be suspended because of fear. Over the past 15 years we have learned to live in crises. And finally the businesses, the only thing we have learned with a relative certainty, is that if you do not have the power, the alternatives, the endurance to cope with the adversity, you are likely to be there the next day. “
Speaking about the competition between the productive sectors of the economy, Mr Vassilakis noted that “the” industry or tourism “dilemma is in practice pseudo -head. Complementarity and positive interdependence are a given, because one produces products and customers for the other. The only “competition” found today is the competition for attracting talent, but this is positive, primarily for the workers themselves. What is missing from the country is more productive sectors with dynamic, and certainly more legal certainty and predictability. Competition for attracting talent is good for us, and businesses themselves, as well as workers, as opportunities are being paid better and train better. “
In closing, he emphasized the positive interaction of tourism with other areas of the economy, noting: “Tourism supports the construction industry, primary production, logistics, digital services, education. There can be no development of the national economy without balanced growth of all sectors that move it. “
However, he did not fail to mention chronic pathogens: “Lack of legal security, lack of stable rules and uncertainty are the worst for investment activity in the country. Digitization or artificial intelligence is not enough to solve structural problems. You need investment in the core of the State: operation, remuneration, control, evaluation. There is the essence. “