Tourism: How it will bring revenue of 27 billion in 2030

By Vicky Kourlimbini

The goal set by tourism for the coming years is great. By 2030 to bring to the Greek economy revenues of 27 billion euros, which is double compared to 2019 which was 18 billion euros. At the same time, visits to the Regions to reach 50 million, recording an increase of 27% compared to 2019 which was 39 million, and overnight stays to 307 million, increased by 32% compared to 2019 which was 233 million .

This is the goal set by the tourism market in the next eight years, as described in the study “Greek Tourism 2030 | Action Plans” prepared by the Deloitte – Remaco consortium on behalf of INSETE for the development of the country’s tourism products in destinations and clusters destinations from all Regions of the country.

The plan, which has already been analyzed by the Government and aims, among other things, to mitigate seasonality and the regional expansion of tourism, is presented today at the Delphi forum.

Emphasis on each destination

According to INSETE, the differences of the study “Greek Tourism 2030 | Action Plans” in relation to previous action plans are located in two main points. First, while past plans have analyzed “which” Greek tourism products should be developed, this study identifies “how” they can be developed. Second, the study focuses on the tourist destination as a fundamental unit of planning, policy, management, governance and marketing in the tourism ecosystem.

In the study, 36 indicative destinations / destination clusters, covering the whole Territory, were identified, and detailed action plans were prepared. For each destination, the attractiveness of the tourist products that exist or can be developed in order to create complex, and not monothematic, products and services was evaluated and prioritized. At the same time, the international markets to which each destination can be identified were identified and the necessary investments were identified, as well as the support actions, in order to achieve the proposed product and market development.

Based on the above, five critical axes for the development of Greek tourism were identified: The improvement and development of public -mainly- infrastructure. The upgrade, innovation and promotion of the tourism product. The digital upgrade and transformation of the tourism ecosystem. Environmental protection and sustainability, and finally the strengthening of skills and the development of entrepreneurship.

May is going well

For this year, however, as noted by tourism factors, in terms of arrivals we can reach pre-Covid levels. It is recalled that in 2019, which was a record year for Greek tourism, arrivals had reached 30 million. This season is forecast to be good, despite the freezing of bookings brought about by the Russian-Ukrainian war, with bookings increasing over time and already at very good levels in May.