The Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises, commonly abbreviated to SETE, is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1991. It is the representative Association for unions of tourism enterprises in Greece, as well as independent companies operating across the broader tourism sector.
History
The original 9 entrepreneurs who met in Elounda, Crete to discuss the creation of the association were:
Spyros Kokotos, of Elounda S.A. Hotels and Resorts, and first president of the Association
Nikos Angelopoulos, of ALDEMAR Hotels & Spa, the current president
In order to fulfill the legal requirement of 20 members, the following 14 were added to the original group and became the 23 founding members of the Association:
Represents its Members in national and international organizations
Establishes platforms of collaboration among the various tourism branches and between tourism and other sectors of the economy
Co-operates with Greek and international research centres in the fields of tourism and economy
Aims for the creation and dissemination of tourism industry know how
Activities
Research
SETE positions are based on continuous research, study and analysis of the special features of tourism economy. SETE:
studies the status and contribution of tourism to Greek economy
proposes measures for the improvement of quality and the competitiveness enhancement
monitors the international developments
analyses the growth of tourism sector in competitor countries
SETE research work is supported per case by its staff, expert consultants and university research centres. The results are disseminated and promoted through publications, seminars and through the web. sete.gr provides information for professionals and researchers in the wider tourism economy. SETE offices house a library with Greek and foreign publications on tourism.
Education & Training
SETE actively supports the work of researchers, experts and students and collaborates with the academic community. Members of SETE Board of Directors and the Association’s Executives are regular speakers and lecturers at events and programs held by partner universities. SETE proposals regarding tourism training include:
the establishment of tourism studies faculties in Greek universities
the co-ordination between the various levels of studies and tourism education bodies
correlation of market needs with training policies and practices
production of research directly linked to actual tourism needs.
Membership
SETE Members fall into two main categories:
unions of tourism enterprises representing on national level the accommodation, travel, transportation, exhibitions, conferences and other sectors related to the tourism industry and
enterprises across the entire spectrum of direct and indirect tourism activities, including: hotels, travel agencies, transportation, airlines, car rental, cruise ships, sea-ferries, tourist coach services, yachts, as well as tourist interest companies like banks, business consultants, catering, construction companies, development companies, expo-conference organizers, marketing – management companies, museums, publishing, real estate, restaurants, special tourism infrastructure, vineyards – wineries.
SETE provides a series of services to its Members, in a joint effort to create a more favourable environment for boosting tourism and entrepreneurship:
Information
SETE Members receive circular documentation, studies and data about markets which concern Greek tourism, and about specific market segments. Moreover, SETE Members are informed on the press releases and the interventions made by SETE to Greek government and the broader public sector.
Participation
SETE Members can be involved in shaping tourism policy positions and proposals by actively participating in the meetings and events held by SETE.
Promotion
SETE web pages, events and publications allow for the promotion of businesses and services to selected target groups. SETE Members can be promoted through its regular publications for information purposes, i.e. the SETE Annual Report, the e-newsletter “Corporate Citizenship - Members Activities” and the e-newsletter “Members Business News”.
International presence
Tourism is one of the most significant economic activities in the world and the main field of international competition. SETE is present in the major international fora:
