Greek Tourism Minister Seeks to Bolster Ties with US, Canada

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni with Internova Travel Group Vice President Peter Vlitas (left) and Consul General of Greece in NY Konstantinos Konstantinou. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Greece – US cooperation in tourism topped Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni’s agenda during her visit to New York last week where among others she discussed the possibility of introducing direct flights from the West Coast.

As part of ministry actions to strengthen tourism ties with the US and Canada, extend the tourist season and increase tourist spend, Kefalogianni met with sector executives to discuss ways of collaboration.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni at Bloomberg radio. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Among others, the Greek minister met with executives from Tripadvisor, airline companies, tour operators, the Greek Diaspora and with local press. More specifically, Kefalogianni held a working meeting with Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, executive director and head of travel policy at JPMorgan Chase & Co; Regional Sales Director, Eastern USA at Emirates, Matthew Jones, and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Chairman Greg O’ Hara, with whom she discussed the possibility of organizing the WTTC’s world conference in Greece.

Olga Kefalogianni with Consul General of Greece in NY Konstantinos Konstantinou.

During her visit, Kefalogianni was informed of the strong demand for the New York-Athens air connection particularly during peak season and of the launch of more direct flights to Greek destinations from the US.

The minister also met with Diaspora Greeks with whom she discussed voting rights and participated in a Columbia University event marking International Greek Language Day.

“We are particularly pleased with the results of contacts made during our visit to New York. Through constructive meetings, the prospect of further strengthening travel flows to Greece was highlighted as was the increased interest of the American public in Greek destinations and in the country’s tourism product,” said Kefalogianni.