Greece – Ukraine Strengthen Ties in Tourism and Transport

Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras and Ukrainian Minister of State Oleh Nemchinov. Photo source: Transport Ministry.

Greece and Ukraine are taking joint initiatives to strengthen ties in tourism and transport, including exploring the possibility of launching a pilot train connection between Ukraine and the port of Alexandroupolis as part of efforts to ensure unhindered import-export activity.

The idea was tabled during a meeting between Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras and Ukrainian Minister of State Oleh Nemchinov during the 6th meeting of the Greece-Ukraine Joint Interministerial Working Group on Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

The Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Myron Flouris and the Chairperson at the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine Mariana Oleskiv. Photo source: Transport Ministry.

Additionally, actions that will further increase tourist flows between the two countries were also discussed during the 1st Session of the Greek-Ukrainian Joint Commission on Tourism Cooperation attended by Greek and Ukrainian tourism stakeholders, including the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (FedHATTA), the Ukrainian Hotel & Resort Association, the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece, and the Ukrainian Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association (UIDTA).

SETE Executive Director Alexandros Thanos, Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Myron Flouris and HCH President Alexandros Vassilikos. Photo source: Transport Ministry.

Topping the agenda of talks between Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Myron Flouris and Chairperson at the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine Mariana Oleskiv included tourism policy priorities, ways to boost competitiveness, upgrading tourism education and upskilling of employees in tourism.

Among others, private sector stakeholders had the chance to meet and exchange insights concerning hospitality, services and certification.

Flouris said Greece was open to offering Ukraine knowhow and expertise to help Ukraine increase tourist flows to the country.