The strategic vision of the Region for the future of tourism in Attica and the need to capitalize on the achievements of recent years in a coherent model of tourism policy, aiming at sustainability and strengthening growth, was presented by the Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, at the conference “Tourism, the new map” organized by CNN Greece as part of the CNN Insights campaign.
Hardalias stressed that the debate on Greek tourism is no longer only about successive records, but mainly about the possibility of maintaining and strengthening this dynamic with a plan, quality and perspective. As he noted, “success cannot be measured only in terms of arrivals. It must be measured in value, in duration, in resilience, in quality of experience, in benefit to society”, in the context of a policy that directly links tourism to the overall well-being of citizens.
In this direction, the Regional Governor highlighted the key role of Attica as the largest “productive, economic and administrative machine of the country”, noting that for the administration of the Region, tourism is seen as a “key policy pillar for balanced development”, linking economy, infrastructure, extroversion, social cohesion and environmental responsibility. “There is no attractive destination if it is not first a sustainable place to live for its people,” Mr.Hardalias said, stressing that real tourism development requires improving the daily life of residents, supporting entrepreneurship and creating meaningful opportunities for the new generation.
In this context, he presented the overall plan of the Region of Attica for the implementation of 300+1 projects throughout the Basin until 2028, with interventions in critical infrastructure, flood protection, road safety, public space and civil protection. Chardalias highlighted the 55 anti-flooding projects that have been launched until 2027, as well as the extensive interventions in the 1,623 km road network, stressing that “resilience is not a technical detail. It is a prerequisite for development. It is a condition of trust. It is a prerequisite of seriousness.”
It is a prerequisite of seriousness.
Hardalias pointed out the need to ensure adequate funding and institutional consolidation so that the Regions can perform their duty: “Here too, the state must show boldness. It is easy to transfer responsibilities to the regions, but without the necessary financial and administrative tools. And then you realise that this whole crucial issue is in danger of being held hostage to overlapping and ambiguity. And this debate, which we hear every day and as citizens, understandably worries us, makes us angry and sad,” he said.
A special place in his statement was occupied by the major flagship projects that redefine the identity of Attica as a modern metropolitan destination. Among these, Mr.Hardalias focused on the new Metropolitan Park “Aenon” at Falirikos Ormos, describing it as “a new relationship between Attica and its sea”. He noted that it will be delivered to citizens in two and a half years, as will the new Conference and Cultural Centre at Tae Kwon Do, which is expected to decisively strengthen Attica’s position in conference, business and cultural tourism.
The regional governor made special reference to the creation of the Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) in Attica – the first at the regional level in the country – noting that it is an essential policy choice based on the use of modern data, digital tools and evidence-based planning. “Data, when used properly, is not a statistic. It is a strategy”, he stressed, noting that in this way Attica can accurately map its needs and plan its future course in a targeted way. He added that a central element of this new strategy is the unified identity “The Greater Athens Region”, which highlights Attica as a multidimensional destination for every season of the year.
In the same context, Mr.Chardalias highlighted the strategic importance of major international sporting events as tools for tourism development, extroversion and city branding, with the Euroleague Final Four in Athens in a few days’ time. As he noted, this is a multi-level opportunity that “boosts the economy, increases international visibility and creates multiplier benefits across the entire spectrum of the real economy, from tourism and catering to retail and local services.”
At the same time, he pointed out that the great challenge of the next day is not limited to promotion or a year’s good performance, but responding to the great challenges of the times. “The bar for Attica is not just bringing in more visitors. It is to create more value in better conditions for all,” he stressed, describing a model that invests in quality, infrastructure, better jobs, social cohesion and respect for the environment.
Completing his speech, the Regional Governor reiterated that tomorrow’s tourism requires governance with a plan, institutional seriousness, public-private sector cooperation and a clear strategic orientation. “Attica cannot afford to simply follow developments. It must shape them,” he stressed, sending a clear message that the country’s largest region aspires to play a leading role in shaping the new, sustainable and internationally competitive map of Greek tourism.
