The Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) welcomes the first European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, presented today at the European Parliament by the European Commission, under the responsibility of the Commissioner in charge, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
For the first time, tourism has a comprehensive strategic framework at European level, recognising its particular importance to the economy, employment, regional development and social cohesion. This marks a significant step towards a more coherent European tourism policy.
The Strategy includes specific initiatives, timetables and provision for the private sector to participate in governance. It also highlights priorities that SETE has consistently championed for years, with an emphasis on skills development and strengthening the workforce, the digital transition, infrastructure, effective destination management, improving businesses’ competitiveness and ensuring the fair sharing of benefits with local communities.
Greek experience
Greece, one of Europe’s most tourism-dependent countries, has considerable experience and expertise and is well placed to make a meaningful contribution to implementing the Strategy.
On the occasion of its presentation at the European Parliament, SETE President Agapi Sbokou said: “The first European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism marks a milestone in recognising tourism’s strategic role in Europe. The next important step is its implementation, with tangible benefits for businesses, tourism workers and local communities. Greece has the knowledge and experience to contribute actively to this effort. SETE, INSETE and Marketing Greece are ready to play our part, putting forward evidence-based positions and actively participating in shaping European tourism in the years ahead.”