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Reviewing the Development of Tourism in Greece After WWII and Its Connection to Culture
Mimika (Dimitra) Kriga
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DOI:10.17265/2159-550X/2026.09.003
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Athens, Greece
This study examines the development of tourism in Greece after WWII and its progressive integration with cultural heritage management. Post‑war reconstruction, shaped by Cold War geopolitics and the Marshall Plan, positioned tourism as a strategic economic sector. Key state initiatives—including the establishment of the National Tourism Organization, the Athens Festival, the Xenia hotel program, and the designation of traditional settlements—linked tourism with architectural preservation and cultural policy. From the mid‑20th century onward, cinema, traveling exhibitions, photography, UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions, and EU‑funded restoration projects contributed to the international visibility of Greek cultural heritage. During the economic crisis of 2010-2018, archaeological sites provided significant state revenue, underscoring their enduring importance. Recent approaches expand the notion of heritage beyond antiquity to include medieval, modern, and intangible cultural expressions. As tourism remains Greece’s primary industry, the central challenge is shifting from quantitative growth to the pursuit of high-quality cultural tourism.
Greek ancient culture, tourism, development of tourism, history
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