The ministry is turning to new markets Tourismstrengthening the existing ones as well, with the aim of supplying it Greece with new visitors and the increase in revenue from the sector in the country in 2025.
According to what the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, pointed out yesterday in a meeting with journalists, the Indian market is a priority for 2025. In fact, a special mission is being prepared in February to New Delhi, focusing on the tourist exhibition that is being held, in the context of the strategic opening of market and with the aim of strengthening the tourist flow from India to Greece. As pointed out, entry visas from the Greek authorities are a priority, while the prime minister has instructed the foreign ministry to open consular services in Mumbai and Bangalore, alongside the Greek embassy in Delhi.
The ministry also emphasizes traditional markets such as the United States. “In 2024 we had the most direct flights from the US East Coast, we want to explore the possibilities of increasing inbound tourists from the West Coast,” said Ms. Kefalogiannis.
Markets of interest are Saudi Arabia and South Korea, while the minister also made a special reference to the United Kingdom market, stressing that in the near future a bilateral tourism agreement is expected to be signed between the two countries, which will have as its main objective the strengthening of tourist flows. Answering a related question regarding the return of the Parthenon sculptures, the minister focused on the very good level of talks that the government has achieved by continuing the talks with the British government at the highest level, promoting all the necessary actions so that the permanent Greek demand becomes global .
At the same time, the first signs for the 2025 tourist season are encouraging. In this context, it is noted that the expenditure of the EOT for the promotion of the country in foreign markets next year is expected to exceed 20 million. euro.
Regarding the new bill of the Ministry of Tourism, which regulates short-term rental among other things, it will remain in public consultation until December 19. Ms. Kefalogianni emphasized that the goal is for the accommodations to operate according to specifications, to be controlled and fines imposed for their compliance.
Specifically, for the first time, a framework for the operation of short-term leased properties with health and safety standards is established. This framework, among others, enables the tourism product to be checked by the services of the Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the corresponding services of the Independent Public Revenue Authority. In particular, the properties should be insured for civil liability for damages or accidents that may occur.
Also, the properties should be primary use areas, and have natural lighting, ventilation and air conditioning. At the same time, a control framework for compliance with the specifications is established (by the services of the Ministry of Tourism and by mixed levels of control with AADE employees) with the possibility of imposing sanctions and fines in favor of the Greek State, in cases of violations, corresponding to those applicable to tourist accommodations.
The bill also institutes a pioneering and innovative, globally, classification system for hotel accommodations, based on the principle of sustainability, taking into account their environmental and social footprint. The aim of the ministry is to be a model in Europe as well, giving direction as a country on how tourist accommodation should operate.
The system is based on a framework developed by the Hotel Chamber of Greece together with the Technical Chamber of Greece. The provisions in question were introduced based on the principles of sustainability and with the aim of the development of the tourism business activity being carried out in terms of sustainability. In the context of dealing with the consequences of the climate crisis, it is planned to align the proposed classification system with the national and European climate goals.
With reference to swimming tanks, with the proposed arrangements the possibility of carrying out any necessary project for the pumping and depumping of sea water, in order to be used in a swimming tank (swimming pool) of a main or non-main tourist accommodation, is provided. This specific regulation is introduced in the context of the need for sustainable and sustainable development, with the aim of protecting limited water resources, especially in areas with water scarcity, the more rational management of water reserves and ensuring the existence of uninterrupted water source, in particular, during periods of high tourist demand.
The bill also allows the use of staff room facilities in hotel accommodation (instituted for the first time with article 66 of Law 5121/2024) in order to be available for lease by staff of the wider public sector (such as doctors and nurses of the NHS, Health Centers, teachers and professors, seasonal firefighters etc.).
Source: APE – MEB