Greece Seeks to ‘Feature’ in Bollywood Film Productions

Following an Air Services Agreement (ASA) signed in New Delhi by India and Greece last week and as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to boost ties with India, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is seeking to cooperate with Bollywood for potential filming projects to be run in Greece.

“India and Greece are both lands filled with ancient histories and heroes … and we want to promote Greece as an ideal destination for film tourism, destination weddings, celebrations and other products like honeymoon holidays, MICE and FITS,” Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura told Indian media on her recent visit for the three-day OTM 2017 held in Mumbai.

“Bollywood is very important for us as one picture (film) is worth a thousand words and Bollywood’s films travel globally where millions of people see its movies including those featuring Greece’s open museums that are ideal as filming locations,” Kountoura said.

As part of a three-year expansion plan, the GNTO is setting up an office in India, GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Tryfonopoulos noted after meeting with Bollywood film producers. “We are here to offer film producers and tourists attractive financial deals,’’ he said.

Minister Kountoura added that she expects to see the number of Indian tourists increase following the Air Services Agreement signed last week, adding that visitor numbers from India have tripled, with Greece being among the top three European choice destinations. She also invited Indian investors to take advantage of Greece’s golden visa program, which offers five-year residency rights in return for real estate acquisitions or for strategic investments exceeding 250,000 euros.