ATHENS — Implementing strategic planning in accordance with the tourism ministry's 10-year plan was the focus of a discussion held during the 13th Meeting of the Regional Tourism Council. Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis informed the council about the important transnational contacts and new collaborations in the field of tourism, as well as about the results of his recent visit to Israel. He also referred to the launch of the strategy of the ministry's 10-year plan in the midst of a particularly difficult year, in terms of the challenges and competition.

"Now is the opportunity to take advantage of the successful opening of tourism and the good image our country has abroad," said Theoharis. He stressed that "this year will be better than last year, as the vaccination will proceed. We will capitalise on our success last year. This is the direction of the contacts we have had with other countries, which are showing manifest interest in Greece as a tourist destination in the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. Our main goal, both for 2021 and in the long run, is to attract all markets and mitigate seasonality," Theoharis underlined.

Regarding the strategic plan, especially for the current year, Theoharis explained that the three pillars for opening up tourism are:

a) the promotional campaign, through the GNTO

b) internal health protocols, which Theoharis said will be adjusted to correct any dysfunctionality so that businesses can operate even better

(c) travel protocols

He pointed out the importance of the Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO) for the further improvement of the domestic tourism product, through a long-term cooperation of the private and public sector, with strategy and the promotion as its key axes.