Greek Tourism Agreements with Moldova and Russia

Last month, Greece signed tourism agreements with Moldova and Russia. The agreement with Moldova is intended to promote cooperation in tourism, facilitate tourism arrivals in keeping with each country’s laws and regulations, encourage tourism investment, establish tourism information offices, and share data and information on the tourism industry, and know-how among tourism organizations and research centers.

Greece’s Tourism Minister Fanny Palli-Petralia commented that the agreement marks the beginning of a new period of tourism between the Greece and Moldova. While her Moldovan counterpart, Artur Cozma said that “tourism, political and economic ties between Moldova and Greece will now be stronger.” Mr. Cozma also thanked Greece for its continued support of Moldova’s efforts to join the European Union, as well as economically.

Mrs. Palli-Petralia also signed a declaration of cooperation in tourism with the head of Russia’s Federation for Tourism, Vladimir Strzhalkovsky. After the signing, Mrs. Palli-Petralia said, “this year we experienced an increase in Russian tourists visiting Greece in the range of 50 percent. I am certain that we will advance in all sectors, particularly tourism investment where there is great interest.” Mr. Strzhalkovsky said, “One of the most important subjects we discussed is tourism investment, particularly hotels. We have different investment programs to propose to Greek businessmen and to Russians who desire to invest in Greece.”

Mrs. Palli-Petralia also visited Moscow last month for the opening the new offices for the Ministry and the National Tourism Organization.