Greece and UK Set to Strengthen Tourism Ties with New Bilateral Agreement

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni with her British counterpart Sir Chris Bryant. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni met with UK Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture Sir Chris Bryant in London on Tuesday to discuss the enhancement of bilateral cooperation on tourism and other mutual interests, including the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

Sir Chris Bryant, a noted philhellene who frequently visits Greece, engaged in talks with Kefalogianni about establishing a new Memorandum of Cooperation on tourism. The memorandum is set to be endorsed by the prime ministers of both nations, aiming to deepen and formalize their collaborative efforts.

The ministers concurred that the agreement should be comprehensive and designed to bolster Greece-UK bilateral ties significantly.

Renewed emphasis on the Parthenon Marbles

Photo source: Tourism Ministry

During the meeting, Minister Kefalogianni reiterated Greece’s longstanding appeal for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, emphasizing the uniqueness of this request.

She underscored that it involves not merely the return of isolated artifacts but the reintegration of integral pieces of the Parthenon, a global symbol of “beauty and Democracy”.

Sir Chris Bryant acknowledged the importance of the issue and his awareness of Greece’s position, noting that the legal status of the British Museum presents challenges. He assured Kefalogianni that the matter is “of great significance” and will be addressed “at the highest level” during future discussions between the prime ministers of Greece and the UK.

Kefalogianni also extended an invitation to Sir Bryant to visit Greece at his convenience.

Kefalogianni at WTM London 2024

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony of WTM London 2024 with Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and the expo’s Event Director Juliette Losardo. They are accompanied by Greek National Tourism organization (GNTO) Secretary General Andreas Fiorentinos, GNTO UK& Ireland Director Eleni Skarveli, Greek Ambassador Ioannis Tsaousis, and Minister’s Cabinet Member George Papatzanis. Photo source: WTM London

Minister Kefalogianni is currently attending the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the most significant international tourism expos, which began on November 5. Greece is participating as the event’s premier partner, placing the country in the spotlight.

Kefalogianni officially opened the exhibition alongside WTM representatives on Tuesday morning. During the expo, which will run until Wednesday, November 7, she is scheduled to meet with global tourism leaders and conduct interviews with the international press, further promoting Greece’s tourism initiatives.