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 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The ministry and the government promote through programs the “green tourism” succeeding in escaping from the outdated model of mass tourism.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 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
What are the key challenges facing Greek regions and how is the RGC addressing them?
## Interview: Unpacking Regional Growth at the 11th RGC
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our continuing coverage of the 11th Regional Growth Conference (RGC) taking place at the Conference and Cultural Center of the University of Patras. We’re joined today by Alex Reed, a leading expert in regional policy.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** This year’s RGC focuses on critical issues facing the future of Greece. Could you share your insights on the significance of this conference, especially considering its journey from its inaugural year in 2012?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The RGC has truly evolved into an important platform for tackling the complex challenges facing Greek regions. It’s not just about raising awareness, but also about generating practical solutions and fostering collaboration between key stakeholders. This year, as in previous editions, the conference tackles vital issues related to Greece’s national and regional development strategies. [[1](https://rgc.gr/rgc-2023/programme/)]
**Interviewer:** The 2023 RGC also features “Career Days – Link Up Skills”, a programme designed to connect jobseekers with potential employers. Can you elaborate on the importance of such initiatives within the larger context of regional growth?
**Alex Reed:** Initiatives like “Career Days – Link Up Skills” are crucial for bridging the gap between education, skill development, and employment opportunities. By connecting individuals with the necessary resources and training, we can empower them to contribute effectively to their local economies.
**Interviewer:** As we look towards the future, what are your hopes for the RGC and its impact on forging a more prosperous and inclusive Greece?
**Alex Reed:** I hope the RGC will continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering dialog, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders. By addressing the specific needs and challenges of each region, we can pave the way for sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits all Greeks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your valuable insights, Alex Reed. We highly anticipate the outcomes of this important conference.
