Maria talks us through Google's initiatives to support the tourism sector.
The Greek economy depends on tourism, however, thanks to the increase of online content it could see an opportunity for growth, with a potential 3.9% GDP increase, generating over 107,000 new jobs.
The Greek economy depends on tourism, however, thanks to the increase of online content it could see an opportunity for growth, with a potential 3.9% GDP increase, generating over 107,000 new jobs.
Maria talks us through Google's initiatives to support the tourism sector.
The Greek economy depends on tourism, however, thanks to the increase of online content it could see an opportunity for growth, with a potential 3.9% GDP increase, generating over 107,000 new jobs.
Here's how Maria and her colleagues at Google in Greece are doing their part in achieving this.
This is Google's own initiative in providing new tools to help companies strengthen online prescience and grow. In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education and the National Coalition for Digital Skills and Jobs, they have been able to educate 350,000 people.
They accomplish this in 3 ways:
This initiative isn't just about teaching, it's about practicality and how these skills are used. Currently, 68% of participating businesses saw a concrete business result both in terms of "physical" and "digital" visitors. This is all in an effort to push a Ministry initiative in making Greece an all year-round destination.
In 2017, the island of Santorini was suffering from over-tourism and its natural resources were at risk. The Municipality of Santorini began to aim to establish Santorini as an all year-round destination, shifting visitors into the quieter off-season of winter. Two advisors stayed in Santorini in order to provide 1-on-1 consultation.
Part of the project saw the development of virtual tours utilising 360° cameras, wherein Google helped upload them to the Streetview and Google Earth platforms, in an effort to provide prospective travellers with an immersive experience before committing to travel.
In partnership with local authorities, Google looked to show off Greek culture while working with native YouTube creators in the #greecefromhome initiative. This enabled tourism entrepreneurs to work on building from current challenges with a community consensus. This came with daily group seminars and 1-on-1 meetings. Since the pandemic made businesses close their doors, Google has helped train 12,000+ entrepreneurs.
1. Providing personal, well-informed consultation is an effective way to achieve national goals during an economic crisis.
2. Collaboration and the creation of initiatives are key in order to provide accessible sources to gauge interest in lesser-known locations.
3. Work with notable members of the community, such as entrepreneurs and creators in order to gain a new perspective and adapt from each other's experiences.
Maria Founta is Google’s Country Marketing Manager for Greece, Romania & Ukraine since 2010. She focuses on establishing strategic partnerships and launching Google services and initiatives that support consumers and help businesses grow online.
Created for destinations around the world, this programme will provide the insight to help you become a sustainability leader within your organisation.
Designed to teach you how to master must-have tools and acquire essential skills to succeed in managing your destination or organisation, be ready to challenge all of your assumptions.
Designed to teach you how to master must-have tools and acquire essential skills to succeed in managing your destination or organisation, be ready to challenge all of your assumptions.
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