V. Kikilias: Tourism, the popular economy of Greece

The Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias, refers to tourism as the most effective tool to increase the disposable income of the citizens in the midst of multiple crises (pandemic, energy crisis and secondary precision crises), in his article in the Free Press on Sunday.

The article by Vassilis Kikilias

Greece, like the rest of Europe, suffers from multiple international crises: the pandemic, the energy crisis and the secondary precision crises. The main strategy for dealing with them is to increase the disposable income of Greek men and women. The most effective tool to achieve this goal is tourism, which brings 1 in 4 euros to the economy – ie 25% of GDP – and therefore is the main popular economy of Greece. At the same time, tourism, which includes infrastructure projects, development and investments, is a means for the overall reform and progress of the Homeland.
We have been working hard for months so that Greece is a champion in tourism. It is a national project that requires cooperation between the public and private sectors and the world of work.

Money from tourism goes directly to the real economy, giving a deep breath of oxygen to everyone: the catering entrepreneur, the tourism worker, the rental room owner, the supply chain, the carrier, the mini-market owner, the farmer. To all the people, vertically and horizontally, immediately, without intermediaries and delays.

Tourism is the main means of regional development that our country has. Our small islands and mountainous areas attract investments and retain their population thanks to the tourist product. Small local units, in the primary sector (agriculture, livestock, fisheries) are developed in the region, supplying the tourist units for most of the year. Not only do young people have no reason to leave, but they return to their place. The quality of our products is a comparative advantage in the race to attract visitors.

Tourism is also an instrument of environmental policy, in terms of the natural and cultural environment. It is based on the beauty of our nature and the importance of our monuments. Awareness of this fact imposes their protection, contributing to the ecological balance. Investments in the green economy are dictated by the need to save and promote our basic tourism products, landscapes and monuments. The Greek region is shielded with sustainable development projects.
From the revenues of tourism, and with the ultimate purpose of supporting tourism entrepreneurship, the Local Government and the central state have the opportunity to invest in projects and services that reshape Greece. Roads, ports, airports, hospitals, public spaces are being upgraded and thus the quality of life of both permanent residents and visitors is improved.

Finally, tourism is a key factor in the prosperity and progress of Greek society. It brings out our best selves. The hospitality, the decency, the smile.

It presupposes to pay attention to the aesthetics and the cleanliness of the private and public space. To offer quality services.

Especially in the difficult and demanding times we live in, tourism is the best means of protecting the people from the consequences of crises, as it returns the dividend of success to the average Greek family.