Greece-Japan Tourism Talks Include Direct Flights and Investments

Photo Source: Charlie Furusho/@Japan Airlines

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni announced on Wednesday that the time has come to implement the tourism agreement signed between Greece and Japan, enabling both nations to collaborate in boosting tourism flows.

During a meeting in Tokyo with her Japanese counterpart, Tetsuo Saito, Kefalogianni emphasized that establishing direct flights between the two countries is essential for strengthening tourism relations.

“This is a step that will make it easier for both Greeks and Japanese to visit each other’s countries,” she noted.

Saito, who also serves as Japan’s Minister for Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, expressed optimism about the possibility of direct flights, mentioning that Japanese airlines are currently entering a phase of international expansion.

Japanese Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito and Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Kefalogianni’s meeting with Saito took place on the sidelines of her visit to attend the Tourism Expo Japan 2024, which will open on Thursday in Tokyo. This year, Greece has been chosen as the honored country at the Japanese exhibition.

During their discussions, Kefalogianni highlighted the enhancement of bilateral relations between Greece and Japan, following the joint declaration signed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Tokyo in January 2023. The agreement marks a new era of friendship and collaboration between the two countries.

Kefalogianni also briefed the Japanese minister on the investment opportunities available in Greece, both in tourism and other key sectors.

“In tourism, the potential for collaboration is vast. Our key goals are to increase tourist traffic in both directions and to strengthen investment activity. Restoring direct air connections between Greece and Japan will be crucial in achieving these objectives, as it will significantly boost tourism flows and attract investment,” she said.

Greek-Japanese business forum

Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Referring again to the tourism agreement between the two countries, Kefalogianni proposed holding a tourism business forum in Greece to foster synergies between Greek and Japanese businesses. Minister Saito expressed support for this initiative.

Kefalogianni also stressed that Greece and Japan can cooperate in the areas of sustainability and “green tourism”, sharing best practices to support these goals.

Minister Saito affirmed Japan’s strong commitment to increasing tourism flows to Greece and welcomed the opportunity for closer relations between the two countries.

Kefalogianni meets with dedicated friends of Greece 

Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Minister Kefalogianni also met with members of the Greece-Japan Parliamentary League of Friendship to discuss further tourism sector cooperation. She also expressed her gratitude to Yasuyoshi Karasawa, president of the Japan-Greece Society, and its members for their ongoing support of Greece.

Kefalogianni’s visit coincides with the  “2024 Greece-Japan Year of Culture and Tourism”, further enhancing the cultural and tourism ties between the two countries.