Tourism Ministry Seeks Ways to Attract Korean Travelers

Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Athens, Soosuk Lim.

Ways of further strengthening the bilateral tourism relations of Greece and Korea were recently discussed between Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Athens, Soosuk Lim.

More specifically, the potential of a future direct air link between the two countries was put to the table, as it is considered a key factor towards the development of multiple tourism packages for holidays in Greece and nearby European destinations.

Furthermore, both sides referred to the significance of tourism festivals and concerts for being high in the preferences of Korean travelers.

Kountoura also spoke of the Tourim Ministry’s efforts since 2015, to enter the Korean market, with the participation of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) in the annual Korea World Travel Fair (KOFTA).

Moreover, the Minister referred to her personal ties with the country – as her father served in Korea during the war in the 1950s – and said she had repeatedly visited the country as a member of the Greek-Korean Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The Ambassador thanked Kountoura for her presence and opening remarks during the events held in Athens to mark the 68th anniversary since the start of the Korean War.

Greece, Lebanon Boost Tourism Cooperation

Elena Kountoura and Ambassador Dona Barakat.

Elena Kountoura also held a meeting with the Ambassador of Lebanon in Athens Dona Barakat and spoke of the ministry’s efforts during the last three years, which have resulted in the increase of tourim flows – and especially high-income travelers – from Lebanon to Greece.

The Ambassador confirmed the interest of Lebanese travelers for Greece and spoke of the potential of establishing new initiatives with a focus on thematic tourism, as part of the memorandum of tourism cooperation which has been signed between the two countries.