Greece and Slovakia to Join Forces in Tourism

Slovakia’s Transport Ministry State Secretary Katarína Bruncková and Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki.

Greece and Slovakia agreed this week to work together in the area of tourism as part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries.

In this direction, Greece’s Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki and Slovakia’s Transport Ministry State Secretary Katarína Bruncková signed a memorandum of cooperation which foresees among others the exchange of knowhow in the fields of tourism strategy and design, special interest forms of tourism, tourism training and education, investment, innovation, and digital services, as well as cooperation under the auspices of international organizations.

Besides discussing ongoing recovery efforts, Zacharaki referred to actions taken to extend the tourism season and support winter destinations and activities as well as offering upskilling options for professionals in these areas.

The minister underlined the importance of upgrading education and training options which will ensure that future tourism professionals are able to meet the growing demands.

Both sides agreed to draw up an action plan that will prioritize areas of mutual interest, including alternative forms of tourism and eco-tourism, more sustainable practices and upgrading tourism training.

Bruncková said Greece was among the leading destinations of choice for Slovakia’s outbound tourism and commended Greece on its efforts to open to tourism safely and on its effective management of the pandemic, while adding that actions will be taken to increase tourism flows between the two countries.

In this direction, she underlined the importance of direct flights and targeted product development, promotion and marketing actions, as well as focusing on city breaks and outdoor tourism.