G. Retsos: Tourism is not ‘from a machine god’

By Vicky Kourlimbini

“Everything is changing rapidly, under the weight and interaction of the tectonic changes we are already experiencing, but also the fear that other, unpredictable situations may follow. Food crisis, generalized geopolitical instability, new refugee waves, global recession. The range “In the midst of this complex and burdensome environment, Greek tourism is once again called upon to adapt and stand up to the circumstances,” said the president. SETE Giannis Retsos in his speech at the 30th Ordinary General Assembly of the association.

Greek tourism in 2021, as he stressed, won the difficult bet. Beyond any predictions and in an environment of unprecedented difficulties, it recorded a significant contribution to the Greek economy. Incoming travel traffic reached 14.7 million arrivals, and travel receipts amounted to 10.7 billion euros, with an increase in Average Per Capita Expenditure by + 27% compared to 2019. And the above achievement was made thanks to the hard work of all parties involved.

“But let me ask a question at this point… Can Greek tourism forever be considered the machine god? To be considered a given source of income, even in the most marginal situations? Especially now, when a crisis follows another?

The answer is no… It can not always be taken for granted … Because tourism is a dynamic and complex process, which requires constant adaptation. It requires plan, support, strategy. And in difficult times, but also in good times. “Because neither successes come from the sky, nor crises are dealt with effectively as if by magic”, said the president of SETE.

As he noted, Greece has succeeded in all the previous years, with a lot of effort, to be included in the mature tourist markets, which manage to meet the modern requirements, which can attract large investments in the country. “Important steps have been taken that have helped in this direction, despite the unprecedented difficulties we had to face. The difficult bet of 2020 and 2021 has been won. And we must recognize this. , which was particularly high and in a better position than 2019. It is an element that is an important legacy for Greek hotels, which can capitalize on it in the coming years by further consolidating Greece in international tourism. “than in 2017, with more knowledge and in a comparatively better position. In this process of maturation, however, SETE itself could not be absent.”

What he answered about the fees in the field of tourism

“I listen very carefully to the criticism of issues that mainly concern working conditions and wages. I would like to be very honest and clear.

SETE’s position on such a serious issue is timeless. No violation of labor rules can be tolerated. No derogation from the current legislation is justified. No tolerance for arbitrariness is encouraged. We are clear and unequivocal. Because that’s the only way to protect our product. Quality tourism with workers in gray conditions, can not exist. And for this very reason, the state needs constant and strict control to identify violators and their exemplary punishment. We also need strict observance of the laws, without discounts and exceptions. We, first, want to separate wheat from wheat. The professional who pays taxes, who offers jobs and development, from the adventurer who considers tourism as an easy source of wealth. “But something else is needed,” he said.

“An open dialogue, without prejudices and blinders, for a new strategy for working in tourism. SETE is ready to start with all stakeholders, social partners and the state, a bona fide and honest dialogue, always guided by its good Greek tourism and the Greek economy “added Mr. Retsos.

Guarantee of stability

“In the coming years, we will all be called upon to adapt to modern needs, to new priorities. Government, local government, entrepreneurs, employees, we will be links in the same chain of change and adaptation. Competitiveness and resilience will be the two central ones. concepts that will occupy us in the near future.The main pillars of the sustainability of Greek tourism.

In this process, we must all be together. In an organic relationship of development and progress that concerns the whole of Greece. “Only in this way will tourism continue to be a reliable guarantor of stability and social cohesion for all.”

Vassilis Kikilias: Tourism means national wealth

“Tourism means more national wealth, more jobs, it is a multi-level lever for the development of the Greek economy,” said Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias in his speech.

Referring to the efforts that have been made over the past period for the rebranding of the country, he noted that the first goal was to be able to open the tourist season earlier and also to increase the tourist receipts.

As he said, the country has reached big agreements with the airlines and discussions are already underway for 2023.

In this regard, a big bet is the extension of this year’s tourist season until the end of the year.

Finally, he commented on the working conditions that tourism should be attractive to those who serve it with happy employees and that we should isolate those who discredit it.