Deputy Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis addresses Tourism Ministry event on mountain tourism strategy in Athens. Photo © Greek Travel Pages
Greece is advancing a comprehensive national strategy to support mountain regions, backed by funding exceeding 1 billion euros annually, as part of a broader push for balanced regional development and social cohesion.
Speaking at an event on mountain tourism, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis outlined a 12-pillar national strategy aimed at strengthening local economies, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring the year-round viability of mountain communities.
“At a time when people are seeking ways out, mountain Greece offers the ultimate experience of uplift—physical, mental and spiritual—and even a different way of life for those who choose it,” he said.
The plan draws on a mix of national and European funding tools, including the Public Investment Program (PDE), the NSRF, and the European Social Climate Fund, with resources directed toward infrastructure upgrades, digital connectivity, and improved access to essential services such as healthcare.
Support for permanent residents
“Mountain Greece. All Year Round” campaign showcases outdoor experiences across the country’s regions.
According to Kontogeorgis, the strategy places strong emphasis on supporting permanent populations, with the goal of enabling residents—particularly younger generations—to remain and build sustainable livelihoods in their home regions.
“The main priority is to ensure that those who choose to live in mountainous areas can stay, work and prosper there,” he said, underlining the government’s focus on reversing demographic decline and strengthening social cohesion.
Within this framework, mountain tourism is positioned as a driver of broader local development, supporting sectors such as agriculture, local manufacturing and small-scale entrepreneurship, while also contributing to the goal of extending tourism activity beyond the traditional peak season.
Special Secretariat to oversee implementation
Kontogeorgis said the strategy will be implemented through a planned Special Secretariat for Mountain Areas, which will operate under the Presidency of the Government as the central managing authority.
The body is expected to oversee policy execution, coordinate across ministries and regions, and ensure that funding is effectively channeled to maximize impact at the local level.
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