Greece Comes Closer to Arab World with Joint Tourism Actions

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis

Strengthening connectivity and cooperation through joint actions was the focus of Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis’ presentation this week during the 9th Arab – Hellenic Economic Forum.

Addressing the digital event organized by the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Development, Theoharis referred to the strong ties between the two countries and their shared vision for tourism.

“Athens and Arab countries are connected via direct flights, enhancing the positive prospects for an increase in tourist flows in 2021. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other Arab countries are a priority for Greek tourism,” said Theoharis.

The minister went on to add that cooperation between the two countries was “progressing rapidly”, citing the 2020-2022 joint action plan in tourism signed this summer between Greece and UAE, which aims to promote cooperation in tourism-related areas including promotion, special interest products, investment, legislation and air connectivity.

The minister concluded with an invitation to invest in Greece, which is among the “leading tourist markets in the world”. He referred to the country’s competitive advantage, room for the creation of  luxury facilities as well as further prospects to expand in terms of visitor numbers and markets, a revised legal and regulatory framework, a wide scope for cooperation in the agri-food sector, and benefits of its golden visa program.

“We support tourism synergies which are seen as leaving a positive economic and developmental footprint for both Greece and the Arab world in the coming years,” Theoharis concluded.