Greece and Japan Look to Enhance Tourism Cooperation

Ambassador of Japan to Greece Yasuhiro Shimizu and Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura and the newly-appointed Ambassador of Japan to Greece Yasuhiro Shimizu, recently discussed ways to boost bilateral tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Among the issues explored was the development of common synergies to further increase tourism flows towards Greece. Arrivals from Japan to Greece were negatively affected due to the suspension of direct flights between the two countries a few years ago and after the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) decided to close its branch in Tokyo.

Minister Kountoura and Ambassador Shimizu also focused on ways to promote Greece in Japan as an attractive all year round destination and implement additional activities to attract more Japanese visitors to Greece. Furthermore, they discussed opportunities for new investments in the tourism sector.