How 'Grow with Google' is Helping Tourism SMEs

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.

Grow Greek Tourism Online

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:

  1. Free Online Training - they offer a digital platform aiming to help develop and teach skills to anybody interested. This source is highly accessible due to desktop and mobile support.
  2. Personal Consultation - currently Google has trained 40 young graduates through an intensive 6-week programme, giving them the right skills and tools to provide consultation for tourism businesses. Over 100 cities throughout the country now receive either 1-on-1 training at their destination or partake in group seminars.
  3. Education - Google provides free seminars at over 40 universities in order to train prospective tourism professionals, aiming for proficiency in digital skills.

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.

Explore Santorini

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.

#greecefromhome

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.


Key Takeaways

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.

Published on:
December 2020
About the contributor

Maria Founta


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.