Kimolos Mayor Konstantinos Ventouris is optimistic about the 2025 tourist season, citing targeted promotion and growing demand for authentic experiences. The island’s new tourism strategy includes a digital guide and brochure to highlight its geocultural heritage. Infrastructure upgrades, like a green desalination project and wastewater treatment plant, aim to enhance sustainability. Ventouris dismisses overtourism concerns, emphasizing year-round hospitality, while addressing climate challenges with eco-friendly solutions.
Tag: sustainable tourism
The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and UK tour operator JET2 have strengthened their strategic partnership to promote sustainable tourism and expand travel offerings in Greece. The collaboration includes the addition of Samos as a new destination in 2026 and aims to boost year-round tourism to lesser-known Greek regions through joint initiatives and new travel products.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Santorini Hoteliers Association President Antonis Pagonis have united to assure the world that Santorini is safe, open, and ready for the 2025 season. Addressing international media in London, Kefalogianni highlighted the island’s resilience and Greece’s sustainable tourism strategy, while Pagonis debunked damaging fake news, urging travelers to trust reliable sources. From AI-enhanced apps to eco-friendly hotel ratings, Santorini is poised to welcome visitors with open arms.
Grecotel was honored with two prestigious awards at the TTG Luxury Awards 2025, including “Luxury Hotel Company of the Year” and “Luxury Trade Support Team of the Year,” recognizing its commitment to authentic Greek hospitality. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Grecotel continues to expand its global presence with new investments and a unique portfolio of luxury properties across Greece, further solidifying its position in the luxury hospitality sector.
Greece’s Interministerial Strategic Investments Committee has given the green light to three major projects worth a combined €1.22 billion, marking a significant step towards fostering economic growth and sustainability in the country’s tourism sector.
The Hellenic Public Properties Company has launched a concession process for Vouliagmeni Beach, inviting investors to participate in its transformation into a premier international destination. Situated along the Athenian Riviera, this prime real estate spans over 72,000 square meters and offers unique development opportunities with an emphasis on sustainability and accessibility.
Tourists visiting Greece and Italy’s renowned cities must be mindful of unique regulations aimed at preserving historic sites. In Greece, a strict ban on high heels at ancient landmarks aims to prevent damage, with fines up to €900. Similar preservation rules exist in Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, reflecting a broader effort across Europe to protect cultural heritage. Complying with these regulations ensures the enjoyment and protection of these iconic destinations for future generations.
Nisyros Island in Greece is launching an innovative 3D virtual experience of its volcano, providing users with a real-time simulation of its conditions. This digital twin project aims to boost sustainable tourism and promote the island’s volcanic history.
Australia has claimed the top two spots in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list, with Whitehaven Beach in Queensland crowned the world’s best beach and Squeaky Beach in Victoria taking second place. But as Australian shores steal the spotlight, many are wondering: Did Greece’s stunning beaches make the list this year? Find out which global destinations made the cut and why Australia’s beaches are leading the way in 2025.
The Peloponnese Region is set to develop Greece’s largest certified hiking trail network, spanning 1,729 kilometers. Supported by €2.95 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the project includes trail upgrades, signage installation, and digital enhancements, aiming to boost sustainable tourism and highlight the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
As of January 1, Greece has increased its “Climate Resilience Fee,” a nightly charge applied to hotels and short-term rentals. Designed to fund natural disaster preparedness, the fee replaces the previous “stayover tax” and varies by accommodation type and season. Revenue collected will support Greece’s efforts to address the growing challenges of climate change while promoting sustainable tourism.
The Parnassos Ski Centre, a premier winter destination near Delphi, is set for a major transformation with €8.7 million in funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Announced by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the upgrades aim to modernise infrastructure, enhance visitor services, and promote year-round tourism. With record-breaking attendance and plans for environmentally friendly lift replacements, the project highlights Greece’s commitment to sustainable mountain tourism.
Greece’s tourism sector shattered records in 2024, welcoming 36 million visitors and generating €22 billion in revenue.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni has predicted a record-breaking year for tourism in 2024, with revenues expected to surpass €20 billion. Highlighting strong performance in key months and innovative new policies, including a globally pioneering hotel classification system based on environmental standards, Kefalogianni emphasized Greece’s commitment to sustainable growth in its vital tourism sector.
The 5th meeting of the Greece-Türkiye Joint Tourism Committee took place in Athens, with Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Turkish Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy discussing ways to strengthen bilateral ties through tourism. Both ministers highlighted the sector’s role in fostering mutual understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and driving tourism growth. The meeting focused on sustainable tourism, niche tourism opportunities, and collaboration on career training and investments, with both sides committed to expanding tourism relations in the future.
A new study on Athens’ tourism capacity reveals growing pressures on the city’s infrastructure, highlighting “tourism fragility” in highly saturated neighborhoods. With year-round visitor influx impacting waste, energy, and water resources, the study calls for proactive measures, including the establishment of a Sustainable Tourism Observatory, to balance growth and quality of life.
The growing importance of wellness in luxury travel is highlighted by a new survey which reflects a rising trend in wellness tourism, with Greece emerging as a key player in this sector.
Anogia, a charming village in Crete, has been distinguished among the world’s top 55 tourist villages for 2024 by the UNWTO. Celebrated for its commitment to sustainable tourism, Anogia exemplifies how rural destinations can preserve cultural heritage while promoting economic and environmental sustainability. This recognition reflects a broader initiative to highlight villages where tourism fosters rather than disrupts local traditions.
Athens triumphs as Europe’s Leading City Break Destination for 2024 at the World Travel Awards. Celebrated for its blend of history and modernity, Athens continues to entice visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions. With over 7 million visitors in 2023, the city’s dedication to sustainable tourism and cultural richness has secured its status as a premier year-round destination.
Greece, in partnership with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), has established…