Ministry Aiming to Make Greece ‘Top of Mind’ Destination for US Tourists

Syros Island, Greece. Photo source: GNTO

Establishing Greece as a “top of mind” destination and tapping into cultural and special interest tourism was the focus of Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni’s visit to New York earlier this month.

Following her trip, Kefalogianni participated in a Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce video conference in Athens where she discussed with the chamber’s tourism committee the need to invest in alternative forms of tourism which will bring sustainable practices to the sector, involve and support local communities, and position Greece as a sustainable destination.

The conference focused on highlighting the initiatives that will further enhance ties between Greece and the US in tourism in key areas.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni with Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Kefalogianni referred to the ministry’s national tourism strategy which prioritizes making Greece a “top of mind” destination for travelers from North America, a market which Greece is counting on and which is showing a great dynamic.

She went on to add that the ministry was looking into ways to tap into the West Coast market through the introduction of direct flights and added that actions were being taken to increase cruise tourism to Greece through home porting activity.

Lastly, Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis said the GNTO was open to proposals and synergies as part of efforts to expand to the West Coast.

During her visit to the US, Kefalogianni met with airline executives and tour operators, local tourism professionals and media, and with Diaspora Greeks and investors.