At the 11th Regional Growth Conference, which takes 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 discussion 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The ministry and the government promote through programs the “green tourism” succeeding in escaping from the outdated model of mass tourism.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, vice 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 browsing 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
How has the RGC evolved over the years to better serve the needs of Greece’s regions?
## RGC: A Platform for Greece’s Regional Future
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re talking about the upcoming Regional Growth Conference (RGC) happening in Patras. Joining me is [Guest Name], a [Guest Title] and long-time participant in the conference.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The RGC has been running for over a decade now. What initially sparked its creation, and how has it evolved over the years?
**Guest:** The RGC began in 2012 with a clear mission: to address the unique challenges facing Greek regions. As you can see from the conference website, [[1](https://rgc.gr/rgc-2024/)], it’s become a vital platform for discussing critical issues surrounding regional development and Greece’s future as a whole.
**Interviewer:** It’s fantastic to see an event like this sustain itself for so long. As a seasoned attendee, what do you see as the conference’s greatest strengths?
**Guest:** What I find most valuable about RGC is its ability to bring together diverse stakeholders – policymakers, academics, business leaders, and local communities. This interaction is essential for identifying solutions that are both effective and sustainable. The RGC doesn’t just talk about problems; it actively seeks practical solutions to propel Greece’s regions forward.
**Interviewer:** That’s truly inspiring. Looking ahead to this year’s conference, what key topics are you most eager to see discussed?
**Guest:** This year, I’m particularly interested in the discussions around [Mention specific topics from RGC website or program if available]. These are crucial issues that will shape the future of our regions, and the RGC provides a space for meaningful dialog and collaboration.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, [Guest Name]. I’m sure this year’s RGC will be another successful event, sparking important conversations and driving positive change for Greece’s regions.