The Greek Ministry of Tourism is setting a new standard for culinary exploration with its latest initiative aimed at enhancing gastronomic tourism in Greece. Spearheaded by Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, this innovative project involves the creation of a platform featuring an interactive digital map, specifically designed to showcase the country’s rich gastronomic heritage and its local wineries. This announcement was made during a meeting with Giorgos Kavvathas, President, and Yiannis Daveronis, General Secretary of the Panhellenic Federation of Restaurant and Related Professions (POESE).

How the platform will help gastro-tourism in Greece

Gastronomic tourism in Greece is poised for a significant uplift through this initiative. The platform aims to update the Greek Cuisine Label for the certification of Greek restaurants, thereby elevating the overall gastronomic tourism experience through the Development and Resilience Fund. A key focus of the discussion was the promotion of Greece as the ultimate gastronomic destination, not just for the local market but especially for international visitors. The initiative also emphasizes collaboration with local Greek wineries, further enriching the country’s culinary tourism appeal.

Minister of Tourism, Kefalogianni enchances digital experiences

Minister Olga Kefalogianni highlighted the ministry’s efforts to increase the visibility of agritourism and gastronomic destinations and activities. This move is expected to diversify the tourism offerings significantly, while also fostering connections between destinations. Furthermore, the ministry is advancing the promotion and visibility of dining, agritourism, and gastronomic tourism in Greece through the creation of this platform and its interactive digital map.

The President of POESE expressed full support for any proposal that promotes Greek gastronomy and tourism at large, committing to contribute in every possible way. This collaboration underscores a united effort to position Greece at the forefront of global gastronomic tourism.

This digital platform represents a leap forward in how culinary and wine tourism can be experienced in Greece. By leveraging technology, it aims to guide tourists through Greece’s culinary landscapes, from traditional taverns to esteemed wineries, making the rich scenin of Greek cuisine more accessible than ever.

This initiative not only highlights the importance of gastronomy as a pivotal aspect of the tourism industry but also showcases Greece’s commitment to innovating and enhancing its tourism sector for a global audience. Through this digital map, visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore, plan, and experience the depth of Greek culinary culture, making their journey through Greece an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

In other news regarding Tourism

• Olga Kefalogianni, emphasizing the government’s commitment to this vision, stated, “We are working intensively to lay strong foundations for the future of Greek tourism, so as to create today the conditions for a new cycle of growth with a vision and goal of sustainability as well as the strengthening of social cohesion.” while announced the new “Tourism Strategy for a Sustainable and Diversified Future” just before 3 months.
• In an effort to support the reconstruction initiatives following severe forest fires and floods, the Greek government has implemented a fresh accommodation tax, which has recently gone into effect this January. Titled the “climate resilience levy,” this tax is a step up from the previous bed tax and is designed for tourists to pay at their lodging upon arrival. The government has structured it as a tiered payment system, with varying tax rates depending on the official rating of the accommodation. This tax is applicable only during the peak tourist season, spanning from March to October.
• Following the traveller’s inconvenience regarding the long waiting lines at the Acropolis since July 2023, The Federation of Greek Associations of Travel & Tourism Agencies, FedHATTA, welcomes the initiative of the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni to implement appropriate measures to reduce the waiting time for entry to the most important archaeological monument of our country, the archaeological site of Acropolis.