Press Release

The Consul General of Greece in New York hosted a reception on February 8th at his residence in honor of the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, on the occasion of her visit in New York, in the presence of the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, and distinguished guests mainly from the sector of tourism.

Welcoming the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogiannis and the distinguished guests of the tourism industry, as well as the representatives of the Greek community in New York, the Consul General of Greece in New York, Ambassador Dinos Konstantinou, in his address stressed that tourism is the flagship of the Greek economy as it contributes to 20% of GDP. Addressing the Minister of Tourism, he emphasized that he could not imagine a more suitable person in this demanding ministerial post in order to face the new challenges of the highly competitive tourism sector.

He also added that contacts with representatives and entrepreneurs of the tourism sector, as well as with Greek diaspora who have a special love for Greece and strive to preserve the Greek heritage and tradition, are of great importance.

In her address to the distinguished guests, the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni stressed that Greece is now a year-round tourist destination, and is particularly suitable for those who wish to avoid the crowds of summer in the popular Greek tourist destinations, and enjoy on their holidays what Greece can really offer them, both on the islands and on the mainland.

Mrs. Kefalogianni thanked all the guests who came even from outside the New York area to meet her and exchange views on tourism issues. Greek diaspora is an extraordinary asset for Greece and that is why the Greek government has managed to ensure the right to vote for expatriates, including by absentee ballot, in the upcoming European elections and will make efforts for the absentee ballot at national elections as well, she added.

Mrs. Kefalogianni pointed out that tourism was the sector that helped the Greek economy to get back on its feet after the economic crisis a decade ago, that there is great interest in the American tourist market and in attracting American tourists for the whole year period, as well as for more specialized tourism, such as cultural, religious, and gastronomic tourism.
She also stressed that the guiding principle for tourism development is sustainability, protection of the natural and cultural environment and maintaining balance, so that local communities enjoy the economic benefits of tourism without feeling excessive pressure and that for this reason it is very important to extend the tourist season for the whole year period. She also invited the distinguished guests to pass on to relatives and friends the message of visiting the lesser-known islands and mainland Greece throughout the year, stressing that she considers them as ambassadors and supporters of the effort to revive Greek tourism.

Finally, she reiterated that she expects expatriates to exercise their right to vote by postal vote in the European elections.