Israel Technology Firms Interested in Greek Tourism Projects

The Greek pavilion at IMTM. Photo Source: @IMTM TLV

Greece is exploring ways to work with Israel-based tech firms for tourism

As part of the tourism ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote Greek destinations and increase traveler flows, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura met with technology, innovation and startup professionals in Tel Aviv, this week on the sidelines of the International Tourism Exhibition Tel Aviv (IMTM).

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura with the head of Innovate Israel, Itai Green, and the coordinator of Israel Travel-Tech Startups (ITTS), Michael Ben Aharon.

Kountoura met with Innovate-Israel founder and CEO Itai Green, and Michael Ben Aharon, manager at Israel Travel Tech Startups Community (ITTS), with whom she discussed ways to promote tourism synergies through new technologies and innovation.

The companies expressed interest in working with the ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) on the exchange of know-how and good practices, as well as for the international promotion of investment opportunities created by Greek startup companies.

Citing the record number of tourists visiting Greece, in the last few years and in particularly the 33 million milestone set last year, Kountoura referred to the wide range of investment opportunities available as well as the need for smart solutions in view of further growth, adding that the Greek government was seeking to support innovation to bring the sector into the digital era.

Underlining the importance of upgrading and enhancing the overall travel experience, the minister went on to refer to the leading role of innovation and and new technologies in strengthening Greece’s share in tourism and at the same time ensuring sustainable and responsible growth, which, she said, is at the heart of national tourism policy.

In addition, the minister also met with acclaimed Israeli tourism startup businesses, ITTS members, who presented new technological solutions in the field of tourism education, services to travelers and tourism businesses, and destination promotion.