Tourism Flows Between Greece and Turkey Show Gradual Increase, Says Minister

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni with Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Tourism flows between Greece and Turkey are gradually increasing, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni announced this week during the 5th session of the Joint Tourism Committee between the two countries, held in Athens.

According to the minister, the positive development marks a steady recovery after the disruptions caused by the pandemic, highlighting the growing importance of tourism in fostering closer ties between the neighboring countries.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni opening the 5th session of the Joint Tourism Committee between Greece and Turkey. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

The Joint Tourism Committee, first established in the early 2000s, serves as a platform to evaluate progress, address challenges, and set goals for expanding bilateral tourism cooperation. The latest session brought together representatives from both nations, including Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, to discuss strategies for sustainable growth and mutual benefits in the tourism sector.

“Tourism has been the backbone of Greek-Turkish rapprochement efforts and a vehicle for bringing our peoples closer together,” Kefalogianni said in her opening remarks. “In just 20 years, we went from a few thousand visitors crossing the Aegean to reaching one million tourists from both sides before the pandemic. This year, we are seeing a gradual recovery in these flows.”

5th session: Strengthening tourism ties and addressing shared challenges

The 5th session of the Joint Tourism Committee between Greece and Turkey. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

During the session, both sides assessed progress since the February joint tourism declaration signed by the two ministers, which emphasized the role of tourism as a bridge to mutual understanding and friendship.

Discussions also focused on shared priorities, including sustainable tourism practices, climate change mitigation, and the development of niche tourism markets such as agrotourism, marine tourism, gastronomic tourism, and medical tourism.

The committee addressed the importance of tourism education as a means of elevating service quality and creating investment opportunities in the sector. Both countries committed to enhancing collaboration in these areas to further boost competitiveness and ensure long-term growth.

“Tourism is not just about economic gains,” Kefalogianni said, underlining the importance of cooperation in facing global challenges. “It is about building bridges, fostering understanding, and addressing the common challenges that unite us.”

Future aspirations for bilateral tourism

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy during the 5th session of the Joint Tourism Committee between Greece and Turkey. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Looking ahead, the two countries aim to deepen their collaboration, particularly in areas that can maximize the potential for sustainable growth.

Ministers Kefalogianni and Ersoy also discussed the role of cultural heritage in tourism, with Ersoy highlighting its significance both economically and socially.

“I will continue to do my utmost to promote joint projects in tourism,” Ersoy said. He added that the outcomes of this meeting will define the next steps in Greek-Turkish tourism relations.

“I hope that during my next visit, we will be able to visit the Parthenon Marbles together at the Acropolis Museum,” he said. “Cultural heritage has so much to offer to tourism and to our shared understanding.”