The Minister of Tourism reassured the public about the cost of travel, but pointed to the enduring problem of shipping fares.

The issue of possible increases in air and ferry tickets, and the effects they may have on Greek tourism, were the focus of a statement made by Olga Kefalogianni. Speaking on the TV show “Behind the Lines” of Action24 station, the competent minister clarified that, based on current data, there is no evidence to substantiate direct revaluations in fares.

Ms Kefalogianni admitted, however, that the cost of ferry travel is a constant source of concern every summer season.

“Prices are indeed high and often unaffordable, especially for a family that wants to travel even for a weekend,” she said in an interview with Action24 on Friday night (15/5), adding, however, that efforts have been made to contain prices in the past year.

“I hope we can manage any increase and hold down prices,” she said of ferry tickets. She attributed possible pressures to the international environment and geopolitical developments affecting fuel costs, but stressed that no specific increase in ticket prices is currently being recorded.

As for air fares, the minister stressed that there is no final decision on increases, but only estimates in case the international situation deteriorates. At the same time, she referred to a possible scenario of a rise in prices, without any confirmation from the available data.

Referring to the overall picture of Greek tourism, Olga Kefalogianni noted that the country maintains strong momentum, with consecutive years of record arrivals and improvement in quality indicators. As she stressed, Greece shows resilience in the face of international crises, remains a competitive destination and continues to attract visitors even through last minute bookings, with tourist interest remaining strong. At the same time, he stressed that the government and the Ministry of Tourism are monitoring on a weekly basis the progress of bookings and cancellations, in cooperation with the industry, with no worrying signs so far.

Target to boost 12-month tourism and alternative forms

An increase in bookings and a positive picture for the course of Greek tourism is recorded for 2026, according to Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, who appeared optimistic about the overall development of the year, although she noted that the final figures for the summer season have not yet been finalised.

As she said, official data for the first months of the year (January to March) show an increase in arrivals and revenues compared to the previous reporting year, noting, however, that data available for bookings in the summer months remain provisional.

She pointed out that the booking picture is about the same as last year, but estimated that the trend of last minute bookings could lead to better than expected final results.

Conference and theme tourism in focus

She made special reference to conference tourism, which she described as a “special form of tourism with high added value”, noting that it can generate significantly higher revenues than conventional tourism.

He said the country is cooperating with industry bodies for its further development, while the aim is to strengthen Greece’s presence in high-end markets, especially outside the peak season.

At the same time, he referred to the campaign for mountain tourism, stressing that Greece is not only a “sun and sea” destination, but also has a strong mountain reserve that can support tourism throughout the year. “Our ambition is to showcase mountainous Greece and bring life to the region,” he said, adding that development should be gentle and help retain the population in local communities.

Other forms of tourism and education

The minister also referred extensively to special forms of tourism, such as agrotourism, gastronomic, marine and diving tourism, as well as cultural and religious tourism. He placed particular emphasis on gastronomy and hospitality, which he described as key comparative advantages of the country, while stressing the importance of tourism education and the strengthening of tourism schools.

The aim, he said, is to make tourism a stable career choice for young people rather than an exclusively seasonal occupation through upgrading skills and education in the industry.

About Ryanair’s departure from Thessaloniki

Asked about the withdrawal of Ryanair from Thessaloniki, Kefalogianni said that “the business decision of any company cannot be the subject of commentary, nor can it in itself create so much noise.”

He said that Thessaloniki in recent years has greatly improved its tourism product. “It has opened up to many markets, it has become a city-break destination. I think it is important for Thessaloniki to develop partnerships that will have a more permanent basis,”

“Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been on many occasions absolutely honest and courageous in taking political responsibility,” the minister said when asked about issues that have “baffled” the government.

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