Greece Talks | Athens

A groundbreaking conference on ‘The Role of Tourism in the Future of Greece’

words by Dimitra Moraitis | released on December 1st, 2023

As Greece emerges on the world stage as a beacon of culture, heritage, and unrivaled hospitality, a groundbreaking conference took place on November 16th, 2023, at the Lighthouse of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center to unfold the vibrant tapestry of its tourism sector’s future.

This event, meticulously orchestrated by Fotis Tsimelas and Androniki Kolovou, marked a significant milestone in the dialogue surrounding Greece’s tourism industry. It brought together prominent figures and experts to share their perspectives and experiences.

The Role of Tourism in the Future of Greece

One of the most significant aspects of the conference was the extraordinary assembly of key figures for the very first time, representing a landmark moment in Greek tourism dialogue. This historic gathering featured Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis alongside Achilleas Constantakopoulos, Chairman of TEMES S.A., Eftichios Vassilakis, Chairman of AEGEAN, and Odysseas Athanasiou, CEO of LAMDA Development, highlighting the comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach Greece is taking towards its tourism future.

The panel, adeptly moderated by journalist Antonis Sroiter, delved into the intricate dynamics of the tourism sector, discussing how Greece can navigate and thrive amidst global geopolitical tensions. The presence of these varied industry leaders on one panel was not just symbolic but a crucial step in unifying the vision for Greek tourism. Their combined expertise offered a panoramic view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Achilleas Constantakopoulos stressed the importance of viewing tourism as a long-term investment, underlining its potential to drive sustainable growth and development. Eftichios Vassilakis shared valuable insights on the sector’s adaptability and resilience in the face of crises, a trait that has become increasingly important in today’s volatile global landscape. Odysseas Athanasiou shed light on the transformative impact of significant investments, illustrating how strategic developments can enhance and redefine tourist destinations. 

The Impact of Tourism on the Greek Economy

Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance, Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism, Marie N. Daskalantonaki, CEO of Grecotel, Vassilis Psaltis, CEO of Alpha Bank

The second panel discussed the impact of tourism on the Greek economy. Kostis Hatzidakis, the Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized the significant trajectory of Greek tourism and its profound impact on the national economy. This topic was further explored in a panel that included Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism, Marie N. Daskalantonaki, CEO of Grecotel, and Vasilis Psaltis, CEO of Alpha Bank, with journalists Stefania Souki and Giorgos Evgenidis moderating. The discussion highlighted the multifaceted impact of tourism on the Greek economy, ranging from government initiatives and taxation strategies to banking sector involvement, all converging towards the goal of sustainable growth and resilience in the tourism industry.

Greece and Global Trends in Tourism

Yiannis Retsos, CEO & Co-Owner, Electra Hotels & Resorts, Vassiliki Mavrokefalou, Director Market Management, Expedia Group, Raul Levis, General Manager, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, Kostas Panagakis, Principal Travelworks

Kostas Panagakis, Travelworks’ Principal, moderated the third panel, welcoming Yiannis Retsos, CEO & Co-Owner of Electra Hotels & Resorts, Vassiliki Mavrokefalou, Director of Market Management at Expedia Group, and Raul Levis, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, to discuss Greece and International Trends in Tourism. Yiannis Retsos emphasized that since 2009, tourist arrivals in Greece have doubled and outlined a strategy focused on sustainable development, stressing the importance of local community involvement in shaping tourism development.

Vassiliki Mavrokefalou highlighted the increase in domestic travel within Greece, which grew by 44%, reflecting a broader strategy to promote diverse destinations within Greece and underscoring the potential for further development in lesser-known areas.

Raul Levis brought an important perspective on sustainability in luxury tourism and spoke about the balance between luxury and environmental responsibility, illustrating the sector’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality and luxury

Diverse Angles on Tourism

Katerina Katopis, Entrepreneur, Jeremy Jauncey, Founder & CEO, @beautifuldestinations, @beautifulhotels

The Greece Talks conference brought together an impressive roster of speakers, each offering unique insights into various aspects of tourism, ranging from gastronomy and architecture to museums, culture, and sustainability. This comprehensive array of topics underscored the multifaceted nature of tourism. Each speaker brought their expertise to the fore, creating a holistic view of tourism that encompasses not just traditional elements like sites and accommodations but also the broader cultural, gastronomical, environmental, and technological factors that are shaping the future of the industry.

Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Regional Governor of Crete, delved into the global culture of Crete, highlighting the island’s rich heritage and its impact on tourism. Anna-Vassiliki Karapanagiotou, Director General of the National Archaeological Museum, focused on rejuvenating the museum experience, while Eike Schmidt, Director of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, provided a European perspective by presenting the Uffizi Gallery as a case study.

The significance of culture in tourism was further explored by both Karapanagiotou and Schmidt, emphasizing the integral role of cultural institutions in attracting tourists. Eleftheria Deko, a lighting designer, shared her experience on the inspiration behind the lighting of the Acropolis, blending art with history.

The interior designer Vangelis Bonios spoke about the intersection of interior design and Greek identity, and Thomas Doxiadis, Founder of doxiadis+, discussed ‘How to Build Without Damaging: Authenticity and Coexistence.’ The conference also touched on the environmental aspects of tourism, with Andreas Taprantzis, CEO of AVIS Greece, speaking about green mobility in tourism, and Charalampos Giannikopoulos, Founder & Managing Director of DCarbon, addressing the relationship between tourism and climate change. Culinary tourism had its spotlight with Ari Vezené, chef and founder of Green Garlic Management, discussing Greek restaurants as tourism vehicles, and Yiannis Karakassis, a Master of Wine, exploring the identity of Greek wine. Vassilis Kyritsis, a celebrated bartender and Co-Owner of The Clumsies and Line Athens, brought in the perspective of fine-drinking culture in Greece. The role of technology and digital media in tourism was not overlooked, with Michael Paredrakos, Communication & Brand Strategist at Choose, discussing the role of artificial intelligence in the future of tourism, and Entrepreneur Katerina Katopis alongside Jeremy Jauncey, Founder & CEO of @beautifuldestinations and @beautifulhotels, focusing on the influence of social media on tourist destinations.