Greece Promotes Ecotourism and Local Engagement with New Mountain Tourism Strategy, Get the Details Here

Published on December 16, 2025

In an effort to add more varieties to the tourist scenes in Greece and ensure that the country attracts tourists all year round, Greece has come up with the concept of developing its mountain tourisms. The move is aimed at ensuring that the mountain tourist centers in Greece are established as sustainable all-year-round tourist centers. The move is part of the efforts to ensure that the tourism sector in Greece is improved while the economy of the surrounding local communities is also boosted.

The Vision for Sustainable Mountain Tourism

During a recent debate on the 2026 state budget in the Greek parliament, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni presented a comprehensive package of legislative measures designed to enhance mountain tourism. The core of the strategy focuses on transforming Greece’s ski resorts into year-round destinations. The plan includes the development of activities beyond winter sports, allowing visitors to enjoy the resorts even during the off-season.

The strategy also introduces a new concept of “Sustainable Mountain Tourism Destinations,” which combines low-impact accommodations and services within the ski resort areas. This concept aligns with Greece’s broader sustainability goals and seeks to minimize environmental impacts while providing high-quality experiences for tourists. The government aims to create a balanced tourism model that promotes nature conservation and the well-being of local communities.

Extending Tourism Beyond the Peak Summer Season

A key component of Greece’s new mountain tourism strategy is to encourage travel outside of the peak summer months, which have traditionally been the busiest for the country’s tourism sector. To achieve this, the government is focusing on promoting lesser-known mountain destinations, many of which have not yet received the attention they deserve.

The “Tourism for All 2025” program is designed to encourage domestic tourism during the winter and shoulder seasons, offering financial incentives to travelers who visit these destinations. This initiative is expected to spread tourism activity more evenly throughout the year, helping to reduce the strain on popular summer destinations like Athens, the Greek Islands, and Crete. By targeting the quieter months, the program aims to provide a more sustainable model of tourism that benefits smaller towns and rural areas.

Enhancing Regional Development Through Tourism

Minister Kefalogianni emphasized the importance of using tourism as a “strategic driver” for regional development. The national mountain tourism strategy is seen as a way to channel the sector’s success into tangible benefits for local communities. “Our goal is to convert tourism’s strong momentum into prosperity for local communities, ensuring that the economic gains return to citizens,” Kefalogianni stated.

Tourism has long been a critical part of Greece’s economy, but the minister stressed that growth should not be confined to major urban areas and islands. The country’s mountains, which offer unique landscapes and cultural experiences, can play a crucial role in diversifying the tourism sector and ensuring that all regions benefit from the country’s tourism boom.

The tourism sector’s growth is also expected to bring in additional investments, particularly in areas that have not traditionally attracted much capital. This includes new investments in infrastructure, tourism services, and accommodations. As part of this expansion, there has been a significant rise in five-star hotel developments in various regions of Greece, indicating investor confidence in the country’s long-term tourism prospects.

A Step Toward Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Sustainability and climate resilience are central to the new mountain tourism strategy. As global tourism trends shift towards more eco-conscious travel, Greece’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its tourism practices is increasingly important. The tourism sector is facing challenges related to environmental sustainability, climate change, and digital transition, and Greece is working to address these issues head-on.

The country is also taking a leading role in shaping the future of European tourism policy. Greece is contributing to the European Union’s first common Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which is set to be presented in 2026. By participating in this initiative, Greece aims to help set the standard for sustainable tourism in Europe and beyond, ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

The Role of Mountain Tourism in Greece’s Long-Term Economic Growth

The launch of Greece’s mountain tourism strategy is not only about boosting visitor numbers but also about creating lasting economic benefits for local communities. By expanding the tourism season to include winter and shoulder months, Greece hopes to foster a more resilient tourism industry that can withstand seasonal fluctuations. The strategy also emphasizes local entrepreneurship, with opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive in the mountain tourism sector.

The government’s focus on ecotourism and sustainable development will attract visitors who are keen to experience Greece’s unique natural landscapes in a responsible way. Hiking, wildlife watching, and cultural tours are among the experiences that will be promoted, drawing tourists who are interested in nature conservation and the authenticity of rural life. This will also enhance the global appeal of Greece as a destination that values both its natural beauty and its cultural heritage.

The Future of Mountain Tourism in Greece

As the tourism sector evolves, the government’s strategic focus on mountain tourism represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable travel. Greece’s commitment to preserving its natural resources while promoting rural development through tourism will help position the country as a leader in responsible tourism practices in Europe.

Looking forward, the mountain tourism sector will continue to grow as a vital part of Greece’s tourism economy, creating new opportunities for local communities and attracting visitors year-round. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and growing focus on sustainability, Greece’s mountains are poised to become one of the most exciting and dynamic tourism destinations in the Mediterranean.

Greece’s Vision for a Sustainable Tourism Future

In conclusion, Greece’s new national tourism strategy for mountainous areas emphasizes the idea of sustainable development and the sustainability of the tourism industry as a whole. The emphasis on visiting Greece throughout the year and ensuring the conservation of natural resources is going to lead Greece down a road to a more balanced tourism economy and will not only ensure the conservation of Greece’s rich cultural and natural resource heritage but also benefit local communities and the economy of Greece as a whole.