Over four years, the number of tourists in Greece increased by 35%, which led to a rapid increase in the profitability of the industry. For example, last year tourism brought a profit of € 1.5 billion. This is a record figure for the country. Elena Kundura, who leaves the post of Minister of Tourism, spoke about successes in the tourism industry. Her successor is Fanacis Stephanopoulos.

According to the ex-minister, the Greek government has made every effort to bring the country out of the crisis. The key role was assigned precisely to tourism. Thanks to the income received from the industry, the country managed to return to growth.

The resignation of Kundur is her personal decision. She accepted it after four successful years as Minister of Tourism since she plans to participate in elections to the European Parliament.

Elena Koundoura considers it right that, for the first time in many years, the government has relied specifically on the tourism industry and singled it out as a priority for investment.

The main successes of the tourism industry in Greece

At the end of last year, more than 33 million tourists from different countries of the world, including on cruise liners, crossed the Greek border. If we compare this figure with the data of 2014, then the net increase was 9 million people.

In terms of growth, it was 3.5 times higher than the Greek economy. For the same period, its results – the dynamics of only 2%. Compared to the growth rate of the European economy, Greek tourism outpaced it by 2.4%.

Tourism in Greece is developing at a rapid pace, which leads to the rapid emergence of new jobs, the renewal of infrastructure and the growth of production sectors. Kundura told about attracted investments. The work done has allowed the country to change its image in the global tourism arena.

The country took the leading position in the world in terms of tourism development and was awarded numerous international awards for success in the industry. The new head of the Ministry of Tourism promised to contribute to even greater growth in the sector since now the country's economy relies on tourism.