2014 will be an even better year for Greek tourism

"This year will be an even better year for Greek tourism. Everyone talks about the come-back  and regeneration of Greece in the tourism sector. We are also very pleased to see that Greece is recognized as an authentic destination of western culture and especially American tourists feel at home when they visit our country. We offer them all kinds of services, in any level and cost requirements".

Mr. Livadas attended meetings of the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, with members of the U.S. tourism industry. At the same time, he met with several agents in the fields of trade and business in the tourism industry. He also discussed extensively issues for information, especially via the Internet. He met with representatives from companies that cover the whole spectrum of the tourism industry, including airlines and companies which conduct researches on modern methods of tourism marketing, tourism development and promotion of Greek tourism product in the USA.

"Our interlocutors realize that we are a beacon of stability. They understand that politically and socially Greece considers tourism a national goal", stated the General Secretary of EOT adding that "they recognize this fact and this is why 2013 was a record year in terms of arrivals and receipts. Also this is why we believe that 2014 will be even better. This will  help us to deal with the crisis and exit from the difficulties we face from the memorandum, especially the one million people that find jobs in the tourism industry".

Mr. Livadas stressed that "tourism is a real locomotive of Greek economy and contributes decisively to the country's exit from the crisis. Our wish is for even more foreigners to become familiar with the details of Greek tourism". Referring to the "huge increase" in cruises, which exceeded 25%, he commented that "all the major players of the global cruise market, including the most powerful companies in the U.S., are now coming to Greece, while Piraeus will be a central port for cruises. We have many islands and only the Caribbean can be compared to the opportunities the Greek environment presents".

On the absence of a direct New York-Athens flight , throughout the year, Livadas stressed that "this is perhaps the only difficulty we 're currently facing. Delta provides a solution for the summer period and other companies are considering this possibility. A flight is a product. The more people travel to Greece, the more certain it becomes that this product will be viable and profitable". 

When asked about the main conclusion he drew based of his contacts in New York, he replied: "The overall message that comes through all our talks is a lot of optimism that after last year's record for Greece, 2014 will be even better, both in the cruise industry and in the remaining fields of tourism in Greece". Another "encouraging sign" in attracting tourists from America is the fact that the United States, in the last two-three years, have exited the core of their own crisis. Therefore, according to Mr. Livadas, the increase in their revenue, means that they travel more. "As we know, Greece is included within their frame of choice. Most tourists from America have a high income and are highly educated. Everyone recognizes that Greece offers them the authenticity and uniqueness that they want", he stated.

A new promotion element of tourism is that many people around the world, especially young people, use the internet to showcase photographs and texts on their holidays. "This is particularly important today, as tourists share the experience of their visit with relatives, friends, colleagues and many others through a photo or a post in social media. This is a characteristic feature of modern societies. And in Greece they find this. They realize that apart from the major services that are offered in accommodation and great hotels, that they will have a good time. And of course, another main factor is that in Greece they feel safe".

On the role of the Diaspora in supporting tourism, he noted that "the Greek Americans are our most ardent ambassadors" who are always close to Greece, through good times and bad. 
In conclusion, he expressed the view that "there is a modernization progress, product quality, accuracy of forecasting and alignment with the real needs of the market. You have to be aware that you're not the center of the Earth". He also added that, "the fact that several other countries in crisis try to exploit their tourism, makes us more cautious. The government monitors these developments and this is important. Two bills were made from last August until today, which help to modernize the investment environment and accelerate procedures for the operation of businesses. For EOT, the concept of supervision has played a significant role. We were strict because competition rules should apply and we should understand that there can be no exceptions".