Greece – France Aiming to Boost Tourist Flows Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

(L-R) French ambassador to Greece, Laurence Auer with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

Strengthening tourist flows from France, particularly ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, topped the agenda of talks between Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and the new ambassador to Greece, Laurence Auer.

The meeting comes as part of ongoing ministry efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in tourism with France, one of Greece’s leading source markets, and after Kefalogianni’s recent visit Paris for the IFTM Top Resa 2023.

France ranks third in terms of arrivals and travel receipts making it a very significant market for Greece. Last year, tourist arrivals from France to Greece were up by 23 percent compared to record-breaking year 2019.

(L-R) Hellenic Hotel Chamber President Alexandros Vassilikos; French ambassador to Greece Laurence Auer; Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

Issues discussed during the meeting, which was also attended by Hellenic Hotel Chamber President Alexandros Vassilikos, included the promotion of sustainable tourism as well as ways to attract more travelers from France by launching promotional actions ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games to take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11.

Additionally, initiatives to be organized by the Embassy of France in Athens were also discussed, including events that will highlight Greece as the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Finally, the two sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to further boost tourism ties.