Greece and Cyprus Look to Enhance Bilateral Tourism Relations

The tourism minister of Greece, Harry Theoharis, and the deputy tourism minister of Cyprus, Savvas Perdios, on Tuesday exchanged views on the promotion of tourism between the two countries.

During a meeting in Athens, the two ministers focused on issues related to bilateral cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, the promotion of specific forms of thematic tourism and the significant role the two countries can play in the tourism promotion of the Eastern Mediterranean. The meeting was also attended by the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), Angela Gerekou.

The Acropolis, Athens. Photo: GTP

Following the meeting, Minister Theoharis underlined that the common cultural background of Greece and Cyprus greatly facilitates tourism cooperation and will act as the foundation for the development of actions.

“We discussed areas of joint actions so that the tourism product can be developed in our country and in Cyprus in such a way so as to help the economies of both countries,” Minister Theoharis said.

Kourion Theatre, Limmasol, Cyprus.

On his part, the Cypriot deputy minister underlined that Greece and Cyprus can work together to attract tourists from long haul destinations, such as the United States, China and Japan, through the development of joint travel packages.

The two ministers also discussed cruise tourism, a form of tourism that is making a comeback in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“We believe it is important that both Greece and Cyprus cooperate in advertising the region,” he added.

According to an announcement by the Greek Tourism Ministry, both sides agreed to continue talks to further strengthen Greece-Cyprus bilateral relations in the tourism field.