Greece Seeks UAE Tourism Investments, Applauds Schengen Visa Waiver for Emiratis

Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura recently wrapped up her visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during which she promoted Greece as a destination both for travel and investment.

During her stay, Ms. Kountoura had a series of meetings with UAE government officials and business delegations and gave interviews to leading media outlets and presented the comparative advantages and objectives of Greek tourism.

In an interview to Gulf News, the alternate tourism minister said that Greece is ready to receive visitors from the UAE and the Middle East region and underlined the fact that UAE nationals no longer require a visa to enter Greece.

“We were strong supporters of the Schengen visa waiver which the UAE achieved recently”, she said.

While speaking to Abu Dhabi TV, Ms. Kountoura said Greece will offer all facilities for Emirati investors in all sectors.

“The Greek government is offering advantages for those planning to invest in the country’s tourism sector”, she revealed.

According to the Greek tourism ministry, a UAE business delegation will visit Greece after the summer to discuss the possibility of investment in the country and Ms. Kountoura has pledged her support and assistance.

In Dubai, Ms. Kountoura met with the Minister of State responsible for investment issues in Dubai, Reem Al Hashemi; the President of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Hamad Buamim; the Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Helal Saeed Almarri; Emirates Airlines’ chairman and CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Mohammed A. Ibrahim Al Shaibani.

In Abu Dhabi, the Greek alternate tourism minister had scheduled meetings with the President of the Tourism and Culture Authority of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan; and the leadership of Etihad Airways.

She also attended a luncheon held in her honor by Sheikh Hasher Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, a member of the royal family of Dubai and Director General of Dubai Information Department. The luncheon was also attended by representatives of leading Emirati travel agencies, tourism professionals and media representatives.