Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his opening remarks at the Ministry of Tourism event entitled “Tourism is changing, Greece is taking the lead”, held at the Acropolis Museum, that he wanted to highlight the great importance he attaches to the European dimension of tourism, noting that for the first time there is a portfolio assigned to the Greek Commissioner.

The Prime Minister stated that Greek tourism is indeed growing steadily, but that the country has never before seen the record figures of recent years. He recalled the pessimistic forecasts made by some at the beginning of this year’s season and stressed that it appears we succeeded, as arrivals and revenues increased by 9%. He pointed out that none of what we are achieving today was a given during the pandemic period.

“The footprint is strongly felt across the economy as a whole. From public finances and businesses in the sector, and let us not forget the many activities that support tourism and the local communities that see opportunities opening up,” he said. Mr Mitsotakis added that the trap is to believe that this progress happens by itself and to rest on our laurels. “The main reason why greater vigilance is required today is fierce competition. The effort must continue, focusing on extending the tourist season, opening new destinations, emphasising new investments and innovative actions,” he stressed.

“All this will be reflected in the White Paper for Tourism for the five-year period 2030–2035. Together with the special spatial planning framework for tourism, which is in its final phase, the landscape for Greek tourism will be definitively clarified. These initiatives will above all provide visibility and serve as a guide for state bodies so that we can intervene where necessary, especially on infrastructure issues,” he noted.

Referring to overtourism, the Prime Minister said that the data show we are still far from the figures of other popular destinations relative to population.

“It is true that there is congestion in certain destinations at specific times of the year. Better management of visitor flows is essential,” he added. Mr Mitsotakis expressed his satisfaction that the Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organisation have prioritised mountain tourism. “Let me remind you that in the same direction we imposed a cruise fee as well,” he added.

“The electrical interconnection with the mainland grid and desalination projects on the islands are on track for implementation. We have closed wounds from the past, such as waste management issues. These investments are also reflected in the workforce. We need to move away from the logic of opportunistic employment and make tourism a career choice,” he continued.

Mr Mitsotakis also referred to the projected pay increases under the latest collective agreement, resulting in tourism wages rising more than in other sectors. He said that today’s announcements by the Minister of Labour bring us closer to European standards.

“This is an agreement happening for the first time in our country, setting rules in the market while providing security for employees and stability for employers. And I think it is truly impressive – let us note this – that for the first time we saw a minister from a centre-right party sitting between the president of the GSEE and the president of SEV, supported by other social partners, working together, with employees and employers agreeing and reaching an agreement that goes beyond the last austerity-era restrictions, restoring full post-effect application. Above all, however, it serves social cohesion. I believe that the image we saw today ultimately says it all about our government.”

Mr Mitsotakis congratulated those responsible for what tourism has brought to Greece in 2025 and said that his ambition is for the country to become the world’s leading tourist destination. “Our government will always be open and welcoming to the people of hospitality. The winds are favourable and it is time to boldly set the sails of Greek tourism,” he concluded.