Hatzidakis: Year-round tourism in Greece Is achievable

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, during his speech at the opening of the HoReCa 2026 exhibition at the Metropolitan Expo, emphasised that the tourism season in Greece is expanding year by year. He stressed that, through the engagement of the private sector and state support, Greece has the potential to further enhance its tourism activity and evolve into a year-round destination.

According to data presented by Hatzidakis, in the first eleven months of 2025, travel receipts reached 23 billion euros, 8.2% higher than in the same period in 2024. In addition, the off-peak months just outside the summer season (April, May, October and November) played a decisive role in this performance, a development which, as he pointed out, demonstrates the lengthening of the tourist season.

On the catering sector, he noted that annual turnover, which stood at around 6 billion euros in 2019, now exceeds 11 billion euros, according to official figures.

Presenting the government’s guidelines for supporting the two sectors, Hatzidakis referred to the following:

Further tax reductions and related initiatives are set to be announced in September during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

A reduction in bureaucracy for businesses through various initiatives. A relevant bill of the Ministry of Development will be submitted to Parliament in the coming days.

A spatial plan for tourism.

Further infrastructure development, including the Patras–Pyrgos road axis, the E-65 motorway, the extension of the Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria, and the development of the regional ports of Lavrio and Katakolo. The GrowthFund is preparing the procedures that will lead to a concession agreement for Greece’s 22 smaller regional airports.

Support to improve cash flow for tourism businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, through the Hellenic Development Bank.