munication strategy that promotes our compara-
tive advantages and will strengthen Greece as a
brand name, attracting larger numbers of visitors
to the country, as well as investments that will
give a larger boost to the economy.
The transition of Greek tourism to a new era
requires deep reforms and changes, which we
are already introducing.
This is a national effort, which requires the rally-
ing of all political forces, as well as all tourism
stakeholders – organizations, employers and
workers.
We all must safeguard and fortify Greek tourism,
in order to help the sector deal in the best possi-
ble manner with the challenges of a fiercely com-
petitive global environment.
We must do this without any delay, if we wish to
speak about, not only tourism, but, overall, about
our extroversion, our pride, our dynamic presence
in Europe and the world, our equal participation to
global developments.
We must, and we do, try to make Greece once
again a byword for optimism, creativity, social
peace, determination for growth and progress on
all levels, spearheaded by tourism.
As part of the effort to maximize the dynamism of
Greek tourism, we have been looking for the best
possible ways of establishing public-private part-
nerships.
We are in constant, close and effective consulta-
tion and communication with the Hellenic
Chamber of Hotels, the Association of Greek
Tourist Enterprises and other tourist organiza-
tions, in order to find the best way for enhancing
Greek tourism by utilizing the flexibility and
expertise of the private sector, as well as for serv-
ing the public interest amidst the current transition
from a weak economy to a new model of sound
economic growth, on solid foundations.
I am convinced that the cooperation among all
stakeholders can produce the best results for
Greek tourism and, in general, the national econo-
my; that it can bring back the smile of optimism
and the certainty of a better future.
And I am sure that we will succeed.
Trade with Greece
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