The general director of the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) has proposed the creation of a joint ministry for environment and tourism.

Giorgos Drakopoulos told Kathimerini that environmental issues are increasingly important and dominate everyday life, including all social, economic and business activities. The environment is the basic component of the tourism product and one of the most important elements of the assets of every tourism enterprise.

He believes that protection of the environment is necessary for tourism development, while tourism investments will be viable in the long-term only if they satisfy the environmental criteria of sustainability. This means tourism and environment have a relationship of mutual dependence.

Drakopoulos argues that some consider tourism to have a negative impact on the environment, with many people even acquiring an unfavorable view of tourism. The reality is different, he stresses, as tourism activity burdens the environment only when it does not abide by existing legislation, or when there is a gap in the legislation. In both cases, he says, the best approach would be a joint ministry for environment and tourism.