Greece at ITB: Resilience and infrastructure for the future

• Sustainability and safety are the keys to tourism in the midst of crises. Infrastructure is critical, the goal is to upgrade the railways in the shadow of Tempi. Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni at ITB. Read the DW story below...

In a fluid geopolitical environment, with crises that arise every now and then, triggering chain reactions, and with climate change affecting the entire spectrum of economic relationships, tourism is a sector that is objectively under pressure. In fact, Greek tourism is, too, and this constitutes a new reality that the country is facing, as Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni points out from the Berlin International Tourism Fair.

“Tourism is a sector that is vulnerable and sensitive to geopolitical developments and other challenges, but what we have proven as Greece in recent years is that we have responded with absolute adequacy and effectiveness to all crises. We have now established ourselves as a resilient destination, a competitive destination, and a destination that offers security to visitors. This is the message we want to maintain for the coming year and the years to come,” she said, speaking to reporters.

For her, however, the messages for Greece remain positive, given that Greece has consistently remained a leading tourist destination internationally. Beyond that, tourism is a sector that requires peace, while the recovery of markets that have experienced a slump in recent years due to wars also depends on peace.

Climate crisis and extension of the tourist season

“The challenge of sustainability is a horizontal policy that runs through all our decisions and all our movements. Obviously, it is also of particular value to see how the market also addresses sustainability issues and it is very positive that all representatives of the German tourism market are raising the issue of extending the tourist season on their own," says Olga Kefalogianni in response to a question about the new needs caused by climate change in Greece.

In practice, the entire problem is related to the shift of holiday periods for tourists, which has been consistently observed for years to months with more bearable temperatures compared to the classic Greek summer. This phenomenon was also observed in 2024 with a large increase in tourist traffic in the first five months of the year, January to May, while perhaps "the best October of all time" and a very good November were recorded, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

As she characteristically says, Greece, in addition to spreading the tourist benefit over time, also seeks to spread it over space. “There are seven regions in the country that are still far behind in terms of tourism development, but which offer a different kind of tourism product in this particular time, when people are looking for experiences closer to nature, more authentic experiences.” This “product” focuses on nature, alternative activities, wellness, agrotourism, mountain tourism and gastronomy, notes Olga Kefalogianni.

Optimistic messages for Santorini

Recently, Santorini, one of the most emblematic tourist destinations in the world, which has become synonymous with the brand name “Greece”, has been at the center of international interest due to the unprecedented seismic activity on the island.

Olga Kefalogianni from Berlin reassures about tourism by emphasizing the safety of Santorini and referring to scientists. The state of uncertainty mainly concerned February, when scientists could not provide answers: “I think that since the scientific community gives us the green light to proceed, this essentially allows the market to function, as always. In any case, it is important to say that safety comes first. if it is necessary to take measures next year, we will take them.”

Tempi: “A national tragedy that we will never forget.”

Responding to a question from DW about the state of Greek infrastructure and transport networks that are inextricably linked to tourism, Olga Kefalogianni points out that from a tourist point of view and due to its geographical location, Greece is a country accessible from abroad mainly by air. In the field of Greek regional airports, significant investments have indeed been made in recent years with visible results.

“Tourism has always been about infrastructure projects, and there is already planning for infrastructure projects both in terms of motorways and in terms of upgrading ports,” says the Greek minister.

Specifically regarding the burning issue of the state of the Greek railway network in the shadow of Tempi, she tells DW: "As you know very well, the issue of railways is both the biggest challenge for the current government and an issue that we all must now see in completely different terms than in the past," notes Olga Kefalogianni, adding:

"For all of us, the unfortunate occasion is the Tempi tragedy. It is a national tragedy, which we will never forget, and the only way for all of us to honor the memory of all those who were lost there is to ensure that such a tragic accident never happens again in our country. So yes: upgrading the railway network as well as safety conditions for any means of transport and any infrastructure, for residents and visitors."

Source: DW
Dimitra Kyranoudis

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