In a move to diversify Greece’s tourism and boost agri-businesses and small to medium enterprises, Greece’s Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki has launched an initiative to promote special interest tourism to the country’s wineries, breweries, cheese factories and olive mills.
Ms Zacharaki said the aim is to promote Greek products and to link special interest tourism options and hospitality with farming and local production.
Greece’s tourism and agriculture ministries have opened a public consultation and the specifications and framework on how to make olive mill visits possible.
Government wants to collect feedback by stakeholders which be included in the development of a special seal indicating which olive mills are visitable.
The new seals will apply to breweries, wineries, cheese factories, hotels offering pet-friendly services and glamping services.
A Visitable Olive Mill Seal will certify that olive mills meet all standards and produce local extra virgin olive oil. Enterprises awarded the seal will be able to provide tours, hospitality, tasting and event services.
The seals, Ms Zacharaki said, will help enterprises boost revenues and at the same time enhance the visitor experience.
“We are taking targeted actions that interconnect the primary sector and Greek production with the hospitality industry, strengthen our tourist product and extend the tourist season, giving impetus to special forms of tourism 12 months a year,” said Ms Zacharaki.
“We are supporting the distinct identity of Greek products that make them unique worldwide and are promoting the agri-food industry, boosting the income of our farmers and of small and medium-sized Greek businesses.”
The deputy minister announced that 17.2 million euros, or $AUD25 million, in RRF funds had been allocated towards the establishment of an agritourism and culinary tourism network in Greece (AGTIS), complete with digital platforms, maps, applications, branding and marketing actions, offering new, authentic experiences for travellers visiting Greece.
