At the 11th Regional Growth Conference, which is taking place again this year at the Conference and Cultural Center of the University of Patras, critical issues concerning the future of the region of the entire country are approached.
The Conference that was held for the first time in 2012 has evolved into an institution that tackles the important challenges faced by the Greek regions. It offers the opportunity to reflect and address issues related to Greece‘s regional policy, strengthening the regional economy, stimulating growth and employment.
The debate on upgrading the Greek tourism product in a sustainable way, which is based on the development of strategies in the hospitality industry after the end of the pandemic, was of interest. Commented on how sustainable investment can lead to sustainable regional development. Spilios Livanos, head of the Greek delegation to the CS-NATO, stated that everything around us is related to tourism.
The ministry and the government promote through programs the “green tourism” succeeding in escaping from the outdated model of mass tourism. For his part, Andreas Filias, deputy regional governor of finance in the region of Western Greece, referring to the ways that can promote sustainable tourism, emphasized the uniqueness of the Western region, which is the only one that, having used European money, created digital museums that are a great attraction for tourists as well as the digital tour program. In similar ways aimed at digital transformation, tourism in Greece can become a model at a global level.
Coordinator
Georgios Eugenidis, TV Presenter, STAR CHANNEL, Journalist “Proto Thema”
The discussion was attended by:
Spilios Livanos, head of the Greek Delegation to the CS-NATO
Andreas Filias, Deputy Regional Governor of Finance, Western Greece Region
Alexandros Angelopoulos, CEO, Aldemar
Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris, Director of IMET/EKETA
Elsa Exarchou, Managing Director, Branding Greece
Katerina Saridaki, Director of Capsule T Accelerator
Angeliki Mitropoulou, Scientific Associate of the Institute for Alternative Policies (ENA) in the fields of tourism
#Upgrading #tourism #product #sustainable
* What are the main challenges facing regions in Greece, as discussed at the 11th Regional Growth Conference?
## A Decade of Driving Regional Growth: An Interview
Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re talking about the 11th Regional Growth Conference (RGC) taking place at the Conference and Cultural Center of the University of Patras. Joining us to discuss the significance of this event is Alex Reed, a leading voice in regional development.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a little bit about the Regional Growth Conference and its importance to Greece?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The RGC, now in its 11th edition [[1](https://rgc.gr/rgc-2024/)], has become a crucial platform for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing regions across Greece. It began back in 2012 and has since evolved into a vital institution for shaping regional policy and fostering collaboration.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the key issues being tackled at this year’s conference?
**Alex Reed:** This year’s conference focuses on some of the most pressing concerns facing our country. We’re discussing strategies for sustainable development, attracting investments, and creating jobs in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The ultimate aim is to ensure that all regions of Greece can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s overall growth.
**Interviewer:** The RGC has truly become a staple event in the realm of regional development. Why do you think it has achieved such success?
**Alex Reed:** I believe the conference’s success stems from its ability to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders: policymakers, academics, business leaders, and community members. This collaborative approach fosters innovative solutions and actionable strategies for driving regional progress.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the RGC and its impact on Greece’s regions?
**Alex Reed:** I envision the RGC continuing to play a leading role in shaping a more prosperous and inclusive future for all regions of Greece. By nurturing innovation, promoting collaboration, and advocating for effective regional policies, I believe this conference will be instrumental in unlocking the immense potential of our country.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Alex Reed. We appreciate your time and valuable contributions to this important discussion.
[Transition back to regular programming].
