Greece Approves More than Five Hundred Million Euro Funding for Thessaly, Epirus, and South Aegean, Boosting Infrastructure, Tourism Development and Sustainability Growth

Published on
January 26, 2026

Greece has secured funding of €577.2 million for Thessaly, Epirus, and the South Aegean within the National Development Program 2026–2030, with a focus on regional economic growth and tourism development. Overcommitments included, this financing is mainly to be allocated to improvements in infrastructure, sustainability projects, resilience building, and innovative tourism solutions. In this regard, the program will enhance tourism in the particular regions by guaranteeing ease of access, the enhancement of visitor experiences and the creation of sustainable tourism models.

Among the most vital sectors in the country, tourism plays an important role in economic development. These investments will not only improve the entire infrastructure of Greek tourism but also ensure resilience and sustainability in light of continuous pressures from both environmental challenges and rising visitor numbers. This approved funding has been credited as a major step towards ensuring that the Greek tourism sector is stronger and adaptable, serving the interest of both domestic and international tourism.

Thessaly: Strengthening Tourism with Infrastructure and Green Projects

Thessaly will receive €256.1 million of the total funding, with a significant portion dedicated to improving transport infrastructure and developing green transition projects. This focus aims to make the region more accessible to both tourists and local communities, fostering year-round tourism. With a special emphasis on resilience, the funding will also be used to restore areas affected by extreme weather events, which have become more frequent due to climate change.

For tourism, these improvements in infrastructure are vital for enhancing accessibility to natural attractions like Meteora and Pelion, key draws for nature-based tourism and cultural heritage tourism. The development of sustainable transport links will ensure that Thessaly can handle increased visitor numbers while reducing its carbon footprint, making the region a more attractive and responsible destination for travelers seeking eco-friendly experiences.

Epirus: Innovation and Accessibility Enhancing Tourism Potential

In Epirus, a €172.9 million funding package will focus on improving transport connectivity, with particular attention to mountainous and remote areas that have previously been less accessible to tourists. By improving road infrastructure and boosting accessibility to lesser-known destinations, the region is set to develop alternative and nature-based tourism offerings. Destinations such as Zagori and Pindus National Park are likely to see a rise in visitors seeking outdoor adventures, hiking, and cultural experiences in more tranquil, rural settings.

The funding will also support innovation initiatives aimed at improving tourism products, such as smart tourism technologies that enhance visitor engagement. These efforts are expected to position Epirus as a competitive destination for tourists looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. By fostering social cohesion and creating tourism experiences that focus on nature, culture, and community, the region will attract a growing number of travelers, boosting local economies and creating sustainable tourism jobs.

South Aegean: Sustainable Tourism Growth and Infrastructure Upgrades

The South Aegean, one of Greece’s most tourism-dependent regions, will receive €148.2 million in funding, aimed at upgrading its tourism infrastructure while promoting sustainability. As tourism continues to drive much of the region’s economic activity, the pressure on local infrastructure has been mounting, especially on popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

The approved funding will focus on sustainable tourism practices, improving transport links to reduce overcrowding, and enhancing resilience in the face of seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers. With these upgrades, the South Aegean aims to create a more balanced tourism model, prioritizing environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for both residents and tourists. The region’s tourism offering will also undergo a gradual upgrade, ensuring that it meets the changing demands of the modern traveler, especially those seeking more eco-conscious and sustainable vacation options.

Enhancing Regional Economic Impact through Tourism

The strategic allocation of funding for Thessaly, Epirus, and the South Aegean is expected to generate significant economic benefits for these regions. By focusing on both infrastructure and tourism development, Greece is preparing these areas to accommodate increased tourist traffic while also ensuring long-term sustainability. The improvements will not only boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, but will also create jobs in areas such as transportation, hospitality, and construction.

As tourism rebounds post-pandemic and grows steadily, these investments will help the regions become more resilient to external shocks such as economic downturns, climate-related disruptions, and shifting travel patterns. They will also ensure that tourism revenue is reinvested into local communities, supporting economic diversification and strengthening the regions’ economic foundations.

Sustainable Tourism and Long-Term Growth

With a focus on sustainability, the investments will enable these regions to better manage the pressures of growing visitor numbers. As part of the National Development Program 2026–2030, the priority on green transition and resilient infrastructure will ensure that tourism growth is sustainable, benefiting the environment as well as the local economy. For the South Aegean, especially, enhancing island sustainability and upgrading tourism infrastructure will help maintain the region’s tourism appeal without sacrificing its natural beauty or cultural heritage.

A Resilient and Thriving Future for Regional Tourism in Greece

The €577.2 million investment in Thessaly, Epirus and the South Aegean is a clear indicator that Greece is taking tourism development in these places seriously. This is done by enhancing infrastructure, encouraging sustainability, and backing innovative tourism ventures in these regions, preparing the ground for future growth in tourism.

Not only will the funding packages improve the tourism experience, but they will also ensure that such areas are able to meet the changing needs of both domestic and, more particularly, international tourists. Therefore, the investment in these regions is essentially building a future in which tourism will play an integral part in regional development.