World Report

Skiing and golf are two of the activities being developed as tourist attractions.

ea, sun and sand have long been the basis of Greece’s success as a destination for mass tourism. For many visitors, island vacations at beach resorts will continue to be the country’s main appeal. However, Greek authorities know that the country has to offer more than these traditional pleasures if it is to develop its tourist industry and remain competitive.

“We are looking for new ways to reach the international tourist and to provide the level of satisfaction and quality that is required to achieve a competitive position in the global tourism market,” says Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Diversification is a prime objective of the ten-year strategy for tourism the government has been drawing up. That means encouraging investment in areas such as golf tourism, agrotourism, conference tourism, spas and thalassotherapy centres, marine tourism, religious tourism and ski tourism.

A new agency is to be set up to promote conference tourism, and the ministry’s immediate goal is to organise major conferences in Greece.

Mr Avramoploulos has recently been trying to persuade American filmmakers to use Greek locations, and consideration has even been given to building a Formula One racetrack.

Greece currently has five golf courses, including a splendid new one on Crete, but there is potential for many more to operate successfully. The mild all-year-round climate makes it possible to attract golfers off-season, and the government is committed to assisting the development of new courses throughout the country.

With its stunning natural environment and traditional agricultural way of life, Greece is well placed to exploit an increasing demand for agrotourism and ecotourism. Increased accommodation is being provided in the countryside for city-dwellers seeking a break from the rapid pace of modern life. Opportunities are being developed to provide a range of activities such as horse riding, walking excursions, visiting bird sanctuaries and taking part in life on the farms.

“We are trying to show the tourist what Greece is really about. You could say we are working to show the unknown face of Greece,” says Brigitta Papastavrou, Chairperson and Managing Director of Agrotouristiki, a joint stock company formed to develop sustainable ‘green’ tourism.

Skiing tourism, cheaper in Greece than in other parts of Europe, is another area with prospects for growth and attracting visitors during the winter months. The season runs from December to mid-April and there are a number of attractive skiing centres to choose from. The top ski resort, at Mount Parnassos, is to be upgraded.