Greece and Italy Boost Tourism Partnership with Updated Agreement from 1986

Published on October 5, 2024

Greece and Italy have decided to strengthen their tourism collaboration by renewing a longstanding agreement originally signed in 1986, as announced by the Greek Tourism Ministry.

The decision followed a meeting on Friday between Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Italian Ambassador to Athens, Paolo Cuculi. The updated agreement will reflect new data and priorities, focusing on enhancing tourism cooperation between the two nations.

Both sides expressed a commitment to deepening their relationship through synergies, expertise sharing, and tackling common challenges. Key areas of collaboration will include tourism promotion, knowledge exchange, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Ambassador Cuculi highlighted the potential for cooperation, emphasizing the benefits of leveraging both countries’ rich cultural heritage to attract tourists from distant markets.

Minister Kefalogianni expressed Greece’s interest in learning from Italy’s successful promotion of lesser-known destinations. The two officials also discussed an official visit by Kefalogianni to Italy, aimed at further solidifying tourism ties. This visit is expected to take place soon and will deepen bilateral cooperation.

Additionally, Kefalogianni underscored the importance of EU-level collaboration, noting the recent appointments of Greek officials such as Eliza Vozemberg and Apostolos Tzitzikostas to prominent tourism roles in the European Parliament and Commission. She emphasized that tourism is a key driver of economic growth across Europe.