Minister of Tourism Presents Vision for Sustainable Growth in Tourism Sector during 2025 Budget Debate
“Greek tourism is one of the most significant pillars of our national economy, playing a critical role in advancing both national progress and social cohesion,” stated Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni during her address to Parliament on the 2025 Budget.
The Minister outlined the strategy and key policy axes of the Ministry, aiming at sustainable and qualitative growth in Greek tourism, guided by principles of balance, moderation, and social justice.
“Greece today is a country with a strong democracy and a stable government,” she emphasized, highlighting the prudent fiscal policies of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration, which have returned the country to primary surpluses, significantly reduced unemployment, and accelerated the decline of public debt. “The 2025 Budget projects that Greece will achieve the fourth-highest primary surplus in the European Union,” she noted.
In this environment, tourism continues its upward trajectory. Ms. Kefalogianni reported record-breaking revenues of €22 billion expected in 2024, compared to €20 billion in 2023, validating efforts to extend the tourism season.
Tourism, she said, is a “catalyst for improving the standard of living across Greek society,” and she presented a comprehensive plan of actions and initiatives for 2025, focusing on boosting the sector’s competitiveness.
Key priorities include:
- Job creation
- Upgrading tourism destinations
- Protecting Greece’s natural and cultural heritage
“We aspire to a Greece that innovates and progresses despite international challenges,” she declared.
The Minister also highlighted significant initiatives:
- Infrastructure Development: Investments in projects supporting niche tourism such as mountain, maritime, wellness, and health tourism.
- Digital Transformation: Innovative platforms leveraging AI to enhance the travel experience.
- Environmental Sustainability: A globally pioneering hotel ranking system based on environmental performance.
- Tourism Education: Strengthening vocational training with pathways to higher education, ensuring a highly skilled workforce.
- Domestic Tourism: Continuing the “Tourism for All” program with increased funding to encourage Greeks to vacation domestically.
Ms. Kefalogianni underscored the impressive growth in investments, not only from established Greek entrepreneurs but also from major international hotel groups, even in less-developed tourist regions.
“Together, the state, workers, and private sector collaborated during challenging times and achieved success. We will do the same now,” she concluded, urging Parliament to approve the 2025 Budget.
???? Watch the full speech here: YouTube Link
