FedHATTA/ HATTA: Meeting with the Minister of Culture for a unified direction in cultural tourism

A working meeting with the Minister of Culture, Ms. Lina Mendoni, with the aim of a unified direction on issues related to visitor numbers at the country's historical and archaeological sites, was held on Thursday, June 12, by the President, Mr. Lysandros Tsilidis, and the Secretary General, Mr. Nikolas Kelaiditis, of the Federation of Greek Associations of Travel & Tourism Agencies (FedHATTA).

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. George Didaskalou, the President of the Organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources (ODAP), Ms. Nikoleta Valakou, Ms. Leia Elisavet Baloglou, Associate of the Minister of Culture & Member of the Board of Directors of ODAP, and Olympia Vikatou, General Director of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Ms. Angeliki Maragaki, Directorate of Cultural Producers, Sales and Promotion of ODAP.

In the context of the close cooperation that has developed between FedHATTA and ODAP, the qualitative characteristics of the services provided to visitors to archaeological sites and museums were discussed, as well as the need for these to be strengthened and accelerated. As emphasized, cultural tourism can only be further developed if cultural assets are protected and highlighted through modern and efficient infrastructure and services, meeting the expectations of visitors and enhancing their interest in knowledge.

Particular emphasis was placed on technical issues that continue to cause problems in the smooth operation of the sites, as well as the need for their definitive resolution. The representatives of the organization pledged to contribute responsibly and respectfully to the rules of operation of the sites, in order to avoid malfunctions and phenomena of arbitrary behavior by individual stakeholders.

During the discussion, special reference was made to the electronic ticketing program, which largely satisfies the needs of the market. At the same time, the participants discussed the need for the next phase of the program to ensure the even smoother operation of the archaeological sites. The introduction of a system of zones and new ticket types is also a step towards upgrading visitor numbers, with the Federation actively contributing to improving procedures.

FedHATTA's proposal to reinstate the "Sound and Light" action, an institution that has left a strong mark on our country's cultural tourism, received a particularly positive response. This action, with the support of modern technology, can offer an emblematic experience to visitors.

In addition, the possibility of enhancing evening visitor numbers to the archaeological site of the Acropolis was discussed, with the aim of attracting a greater number of visitors and the general promotion of our cultural heritage.

The representatives of the ministry, for their part, mentioned that despite the difficulties faced in recent years, a number of new practices and policies have been implemented with the aim of highlighting cultural heritage and upgrading the visitor experience.

The President of FedHATTA, Mr. Lysandros Tsilidis, expressed his optimism for the continuation of the constructive cooperation with the Ministry and the ODAP and renewed their commitment to contribute to the proper coordination of the sector's actions for the implementation of the goals that have been set for the benefit of the tourist experience in the country and the further promotion of cultural tourism.

The President of FedHATTA stated: "Cultural tourism is promoted as long as the cultural reserve is preserved through modern services, so that we respond in the best way to the needs of modern travelers, and their interest in getting to know the cultural wealth of our country."