The Khronicles: Do you think the problems of Malia are hurting Greek tourism in general, and Cretan tourism in particular?

Mr. Ikonomou: Greek tourism is an important sector of productivity and economic growth for our country. That is why the Greek government invests in continuous upgrading of the tourist product of our country, looking to strengthen the international role of Greece, the increase in public revenue through the influx of foreign exchange and the establishment of a modern tourist conscience for all Greeks. The Minister of Tourism Development, Mr. Aris Spiliotopoulos, has adopted the policy of specialisation, variety and viability of the Greek tourism combined with the continued openness of the tourism product in traditional and new emerging markets (Russia, China, and United Arab Emirates). The fixed authority of the Minister of Tourism and the political leadership of the GNTO need to deal effectively with problems and weaknesses of the model of tourism development in our country. One of these is the onset of behaviours by foreign visitors who exceed the limits of legality and dignified conduct, creating a bad image which in no way reflects the true picture of the Greek tourism. Greece is a high standards destination that can offer security, quality and warm hospitality to millions of visitors each year. Even more, Crete is still the flagship of tourism development of our country, since it combines the unique natural beauty with the famous Cretan hospitality, the Cretan flavours and a series of activities guaranteed to uplift the foreign visitors’ particular life experiences. In any case, individual behaviour excesses by certain foreign visitors do not represent the true face of Greece.

The Khronicles: Are the local government and police doing all that's necessary?

Mr. Ikonomou: We are determined to eliminate these occurrences and consolidate even more a secure climate in all regions of Greece. The Minister of Tourism was the first who sent the message that “we want respect from foreign visitors to be shown towards our country and people.” We are satisfied because the vast majority of travellers who choose Greece honour our country with a good behaviour, which we reciprocate with a big and warm hug of hospitality. Already specific members of GNTO have visited the areas, where occurrences of visitors’ illegal behaviour were noticed and in cooperation with local communities we are shaping a policy framework which will help considerably to eliminate them. Under no circumstances do we want to impose a police regime. Instead we want to establish some order so that all residents, domestic and foreign visitors in these areas feel free to really enjoy what is generously offered by Greece: a carefree, fun, quality holiday.

The Khronicles: Do you plan to appeal to tour agencies catering to the youth market (18 to 30, etc.) to stop their policies of encouraging "binge drinking," i.e. pub crawls?

Already we have developed a broad package of actions and initiatives in cooperation with local operators, tour operators and residents to build together a new model of tourism development . . . a tourist product to be beyond the anachronism of the past, and especially the bad experiences of mass tourism. We are determined to succeed. The “canvas” of modern Greece includes a variety of colours that reflect the different experiences, which can be enjoyed here by every vacationer. If in this masterpiece called Greece there are some imperfections, we are making daily efforts to correct them by building modern tourism awareness, modernizing infrastructure, and improving services. We believe in this and, even more, we have committed ourselves. We will succeed!