Everything that is on the horizon until 2030
*By Stathis Kousounis
The Ministry of National Economy and Finance has approved the Tourism Sectoral Development Program in the National Development Program for the programming period 2026-2030.
The Program’s budget amounts to 79 million euros and is divided into 30 million euros for social cohesion and development actions, 11 million euros for infrastructure and transport development, 35 million euros for innovation, extroversion and competitiveness, 2 million euros for digital transformation and artificial intelligence and 1 million euros for program support. The preparation of the Sectoral Development Program followed a comprehensive and coherent methodology, which ensured the connection of the development needs of the tourism sector with the national strategic objectives. The strategic planning was implemented through systematic meetings and consultations between the competent services of the Ministry of Tourism and its Political Leadership, with the aim of integrating the policy objectives and the needs of the tourism sector.
The assessment of the current situation of the tourism sector focuses on its alignment with the Development Objectives of the National Development Program. In relation to Innovation, Extroversion and Competitiveness, it is found that Greece has an internationally recognized and strong brand, a rich cultural heritage and a high culture of hospitality. However, the current situation is characterized by the dominance of the mass tourism model, which implies strong seasonality and over-concentration in specific destinations during the summer months. This creates issues of infrastructure resilience and carrying capacity. At the same time, the country faces strong competition from neighboring countries that maintain lower prices for tourist packages.
Regarding Green Development and Civil Protection, the international shift towards sustainable and responsible tourism constitutes a significant opportunity. Greece has a rich reserve of natural resources and mild weather conditions that favor activities throughout the year. However, there are weaknesses in the existing infrastructure for the sustainable support of alternative forms of tourism, while issues of water resources and waste management are recorded. The impacts of the climate crisis (fires, floods) constitute a major challenge for the sector.
In the field of Social Development, the strengthening of the competitiveness of the tourism product is burdened by the lack of specialized labor and personnel in tourism enterprises. The need for diversification of the tourism product and geographical/temporal dispersion is critical. The use of digital tools and the implementation of projects for the upgrading of infrastructure and the development of special forms of tourism, such as mountain and spa tourism, are key opportunities for the protection of the sector.
The relevant approval decision of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance provides a brief account of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Greek tourism.
As regards the strengths, the internationally recognized and strong holiday destination brand is mentioned, especially in the thematic product “sun and sea” and the unique and rich cultural and historical heritage, with a multitude of authentic and experiential activities. The mild weather conditions throughout the year are also highlighted, which favor the carrying out of trips and outdoor activities during the off-season months.
The weak points include the dominance of the mass tourism model, which causes intense seasonality and adverse environmental and social impacts, the lack of specialized labor force and personnel in tourism businesses, as well as the relatively low percentage of employees with specialization in tourism studies. At the same time, the overconcentration of tourism in specific destinations is highlighted, raising issues of infrastructure resilience and carrying capacity, combined with the lack or unsuitability of infrastructure for alternative forms of tourism.
Opportunities include the shift towards sustainable, green tourism and the selection of destinations and businesses that utilize the circular economy, the growing trend for integrated, personalized and authentic experiences, as well as the integration of new digital technologies and the utilization of available resources for the upgrade of existing and the creation of new tourism infrastructure, with the aim of mitigating seasonality.
Threats include the climate crisis, which leads to the lack of stable weather conditions and the increasingly frequent occurrence of extreme weather phenomena (e.g. floods, fires), and strong competition from neighboring and emerging countries that keep the prices of tourist packages at lower levels (e.g. Turkey, Albania). In addition, the worsening of overtourism phenomena, especially in specific destinations, is highlighted, resulting in the degradation of the experience offered and pressure on natural resources.
Source: travel.gr