“The tourist season in Greece is expanding as the years go by. With the mobilization primarily of the private sector and the corresponding support from the state, it can expand even further, and we can become a 12-month tourist destination. However far-fetched this may seem, in my view it is not. As long as we believe it and work appropriately.”

This was pointed out by the deputy prime minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, during his speech at the opening of the Ho.Re.Ca. 2026 exhibition at the Metropolitan Expo. According to the data he presented, in the first eleven months of 2025, travel receipts reached 23 billion euros, 8.2% more than in the same period of 2024. Moreover, the so-called regional months (April, May, October, and November) played a decisive role in this performance, a development that demonstrates the lengthening of the tourist season.

Referring to the restaurant industry, he said: “The annual turnover of about 6 billion euros in 2019 already exceeds, according to official data, 11 billion euros. I think also a very, very important development. And it is even more positive if you take into account that in recent years there have been major international pressures: the coronavirus, the international energy crisis, and the impact it has had on incomes. Nevertheless, tourism and catering in Greece have not only held up but have also increased incomes for all those working in the sector, whether they are entrepreneurs or employees. And they have laid the foundations for us to go even further,” Hatzidakis stressed.

Presenting the government’s directions for the support of the two sectors and entrepreneurship in general, he mentioned the following:

1. Further tax cuts, with initiatives to be announced in September at the TIF.

2. Reduction of bureaucracy for businesses through various initiatives, the first of which is a bill of the Ministry of Development that will be submitted to the Parliament in the coming days.

3. Spatial plan for tourism. “It is in its final phase and will allow us to have clear rules of the business game while respecting the environment,” Hatzidakis noted.

4. Further development of infrastructure: roads Patras-Pyrgos, E 65, extension of the Thessaloniki metro to Kalamaria, development of the regional ports of Lavrio and Katakolon. “Also”, Hatzidakis said, “the Yperti Fund is preparing the procedures that will result in a concession contract for the 22 smaller regional airports of the country. These will follow the path opened with the 14 regional airports, which, in terms of image, have nothing to do with the image that existed before.”

5. Supporting the liquidity of tourism enterprises – especially small and medium-sized ones – through the Hellenic Development Bank.

“This report,” Hatzidakis concluded, “shows that the industry is not resting on its laurels. It is investing, renewing itself, trying new solutions. 2025 has clearly shown us that Greece as a destination can stand out not only by attracting tourists but also in terms of quality. If we stick to this direction, we will certainly go to much higher numbers and twelve-month tourism.”