Greek Tourism Minister Strengthens Key Partnerships at WTM London 2024

Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of GNTO; Harry Theoharis, Greece’s candidacy for the UN Tourism Secretary-General role; Olga Kefalogianni, Tourism Minister of Greece; and Evtim Miloshev, Tourism Minister of Bulgaria. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni held strategic meetings at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 exhibition in London, emphasizing Greece’s tourism collaboration with major international partners.

In meetings with her counterparts from Egypt, Bulgaria, Italy, Cyprus, San Marino, and Saudi Arabia, Kefalogianni advanced Greece’s tourism initiatives and promoted the candidacy of Harry Theoharis for the position of Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), requesting their countries’ support.

Key bilateral initiatives

Minister Kefalogianni held in-depth discussions with her counterparts to advance various areas of bilateral collaboration:

– Cyprus: In her meeting with Cypriot Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Kumi, Kefalogianni reviewed the success of the Eastern Mediterranean Coastal and Maritime Tourism Observatory, a Greek-led initiative under UN Tourism, and discussed further cooperation within the framework of this observatory. They also considered promoting joint tourist policies involving Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, alongside advancing the European Union’s strategic objectives for tourism.

Minister Kefalogianni with Cypriot Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Kumi.

– Egypt: With Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Gathy, the conversation focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, updating the institutional framework for tourism collaboration among Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus, and further specifying their joint efforts to strengthen tourism ties in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Minister Kefalogianni with Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Gathy.

– Italy: Minister Kefalogianni and her Italian counterpart, Daniela Santanche, focused on modernizing the bilateral tourism agreement, which dates back to 1984. The discussions emphasized strengthening cultural tourism ties and creating joint promotional programs aimed at third-party markets, especially those important to both Greece and Italy. Additionally, they reviewed collaborative efforts within the EU to enhance funding for the tourism sector.

Minister Kefalogianni with Italian Tourism minister Daniela Santanche.

– Bulgaria: In her meeting with Bulgarian Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev, the ministers discussed a unified approach within the European Union to promote a cohesive European tourism policy. Key topics included the institutional development of tourism policies and securing a dedicated funding line for tourism projects, a proposal led by Greece.

Kefalogianni also held a brief meeting at the Greek stand with San Marino’s Tourism Minister Federico Pedini Amati.

Minister Pedini Amati expressed interest in strengthening the bilateral tourism collaboration between Greece and San Marino, focusing on areas of mutual interest.

Minister Kefalogianni with San Marino’s Tourism Minister Federico Pedini Amati.

Collaboration with Saudi Arabia

During WTM London, Minister Kefalogianni was invited to visit the Saudi Arabian stand, where she was warmly received by Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb and Deputy Tourism Minister Princess Haifa Al Saud.

Minister Kefalogianni with Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb.

The ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation, and Kefalogianni took the opportunity to present Greece’s candidacy for the UN Tourism Secretary-General role, seeking their support.

Greece as ‘Premier Partner’ at WTM London

With Greece as the premier partner of WTM London 2024, Kefalogianni inaugurated the event with the exhibition’s director, Juliette Losardo. At the expo, Greece’s stand, run by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) featured 81 exhibitors from across Greece, showcasing the country’s cultural attractions and year-round tourism potential.

Minister Kefalogianni inaugurating WTM London 2024 with the exhibition’s director, Juliette Losardo.

During the exhibition, the minister signed a cooperation agreement with tour operator EasyJet holidays designed to strengthen Greece’s position as a premier travel destination.

Speaking to the media, Kefalogianni projected 2024 as a record year for Greek tourism, following 2023’s success.

“From our discussions with the British market and beyond, pre-bookings for 2025 look very promising,” she noted, emphasizing Greece’s focus on sustainable growth, environmental protection, and regional visitor distribution.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London.

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