The Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Υπουργείου Πολιτισμού και Τουρισμού) has set up new standards for new public museums, as well as for existent museums and other tourist sites. The framework, launched in 2010, provides a solid basis for the implementation of a more coherent national museum policy.
The new framework provides a standardized road-map for all museums in Greece, that will help curators adopt the best practices that will attract more visitors, as well as enhance the prestige and credibility of their institutions. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will also support museums financially, in order to enhance their promotion and networking.
To define the framework, the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism followed best practices and code of ethics as recommended by the International Council of Museums (ICOM); as well as other standard international practices of prestigious museums.
Greece Culture Minister Pavlos Geroulanos believes that tourism is one of Greece’s best chance to keep its economy afloat. Despite a budget cut of 35%, the Ministry still managed to bring an increase of 10% of tourists to Greece. A better infrastructure is necessary to increase the number further, and the new standards for museums are just a first step.
Further developments may include a better maritime infrastructure between Greece’s smaller islands, as well as better standards for other tourist sites, such as archaeological parks. To date, almost 200 museums and tourists sites have adopted the new standards. In the future, Greece’s iconic landmarks will be managed under a singular brand, called “Monuments and Museums of Greece.” The Ministry will launch a branding and identity campaign to promote them.