Logos of Growthfund (Greece’s National Investment Fund) and its Project Preparation Facility (PPF), the strategic contracts unit responsible for maturing and tendering major infrastructure projects.
Growthfund, Greece’s National Investment Fund, is emerging as a central development engine with growing implications for the country’s tourism competitiveness.
Following the integration of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF/TAIPED) and the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund, the group now manages a portfolio valued at nearly 12 billion euros across 11 key sectors, including energy, water, ports, transport, logistics and real estate.
Infrastructure financing with direct tourism spillover
A key driver of this shift is the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), Growthfund’s strategic contracts unit, which since 2021 has undertaken more than 80 major projects with tenders exceeding 10 billion euros. Savings of over 150 million euros from competitive procedures linked to Recovery and Resilience Fund projects have created additional fiscal space for new development interventions.
Health Security, Climate Resilience and Destination Safety
New firefighting vehicles under the “Aegis” civil protection program. The initiative, managed by Growthfund’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF), strengthens Greece’s emergency response capacity and enhances destination resilience against natural disasters.
For tourism, the impact is multi-layered. Upgrades across 93 hospitals and 163 health centers strengthen visitor confidence, particularly in regional destinations. At the same time, the “Aegis” civil protection program — including the procurement of Airbus H215 helicopters and modern equipment — enhances preparedness against natural disasters, a critical factor for destination resilience.
Forest management works under the Antinero program, aimed at strengthening wildfire prevention and climate resilience in areas of natural significance. The initiative supports environmental protection and the long-term sustainability of Greece’s tourism destinations.
Environmental protection projects such as the Antinero forest management program and the National Reforestation Plan further support climate resilience in areas of natural beauty, safeguarding a core asset of the Greek tourism product. Anti-flood and anti-erosion works are also reinforcing popular destinations against climate-related risks.
Conference Tourism, Sports Events and Transport Connectivity
Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) grounds in Thessaloniki. The planned redevelopment aims to create a modern exhibition and metropolitan park complex, strengthening the city’s position in conference and business tourism.
In urban and conference tourism, the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair aims to create a modern exhibition and metropolitan park complex, strengthening the city’s position in the global events market. The renovation of the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) is similarly expected to reposition the capital as a hub for international sporting and cultural events.
Renovation works at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA). The upgrade is expected to reposition Athens as a venue for international sporting and cultural events, strengthening sports and event tourism.
Meanwhile, rail upgrades, new logistics parks in Gonos and Fyli, and equipment investments for the Hellenic Coast Guard are enhancing connectivity and maritime safety – key pillars for cruise, yachting and city-break traffic.
Fyli Business Park in Attica, part of Growthfund’s infrastructure pipeline aimed at strengthening logistics capacity and transport connectivity, supporting both commercial flows and tourism mobility.
Taken together, Growthfund’s expanding role signals a broader shift from asset management to investment acceleration, linking infrastructure, resilience and sustainable growth at a time when tourism competitiveness increasingly depends on safety, connectivity and environmental stewardship.
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