Greek government outlines Thrace infrastructure plan and sport‑tourism strategy

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Nikos Tachias said Thrace needs a unified development strategy, stressing the region’s strategic position and the role of the Egnatia Odos corridor. He clarified that recent comments about the area’s “exclusivity” were misinterpreted, reiterated that toll‑exemptions for local residents will continue during a transitional 2+1‑year period, and explained that any future cost changes will follow the terms of the original concession contract.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Katerina Karamanli presented sport tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth at the Sports and Tourism Summit 2026. She cited official Bank of Greece data showing first‑quarter 2026 tourism revenues of €2.791 trillion, a 36.9 % rise over the same period in 2025, and a 27.1 % increase in arrivals. The ministry plans to use Recovery and Resilience Fund financing to modernise ports, create diving parks, upgrade ski centres, improve beach accessibility and launch the new VisitGreece digital platform. Karamanli said, “Greek tourism has shown the endurance of a marathon and the dynamism of a sprinter.”