G. Nikitiadis: “New Democracy Has Abandoned Tourism. The Tourism Sector Cannot Be Absent from the Country’s Productive Planning”
Greeting at the General Assembly of the Rhodes Hoteliers Association
George Nikitiadis, PASOK MP for the Dodecanese and former Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the contribution of the Rhodes Hoteliers Association to the development of tourism, while strongly criticizing the government’s lack of support policies for the sector. In his address to the Regular General Assembly of the Rhodes Hoteliers Association, he denounced New Democracy’s disregard for tourism professionals. The Assembly took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 16th.
Mr. Nikitiadis praised the work of the Rhodes Hoteliers Association, acknowledging its long-standing contribution to the development of the tourism product and the broader progress of the region. “The dedication and collective efforts of the Association’s members have made Rhodes one of the country’s leading tourist destinations. Thanks to the work of hoteliers and their employees, tourism is now the main pillar of the local economy,” he stated.
The PASOK MP strongly criticized the New Democracy government, accusing it of complete indifference and the absence of any plan to support the tourism sector. “The New Democracy government has given no priority to tourism. There is no strategic planning, no support for tourism businesses, and no utilization of available financial tools. On the contrary, there are dramatic delays in including tourism investments in the Development Law, delays in granting subsidies, and reductions in funding for development plans,” Mr. Nikitiadis stressed.
Referring to the letters sent by SETE and POX to the government, he noted that even the most institutional bodies of the tourism industry are sounding the alarm over the serious shortfalls in Development Law 4887/2022. “Tourism is absent from the government’s so-called ‘new productive model.’ It is treated as a supplement and not as a core pillar of national development,” he stated, emphasizing this is “a strategic blindness that undermines both the present and future of the Greek economy.”
In his greeting, Mr. Nikitiadis urged hoteliers and all tourism professionals not to accept inactivity and indifference, but to demand what they rightfully deserve. “There can be no productive planning in our country without the meaningful participation of the tourism sector. It is our collective responsibility to demand that the government finally assume its responsibilities,” he said.
The Dodecanese MP made it clear that both he and PASOK remain committed supporters of the tourism industry, with clear positions, long-term planning, and political will. “PASOK and I personally support the tourism sector with all our strength—not with platitudes and photo ops, but with a solid plan and vision. We proved it in the past, and we will prove it again in the future,” he concluded.
