Minister: France a Key Partner to Greek Tourism and Culture

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni speaking during the Delphi Paris Forum II at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in France.

France remains one of Greece’s most significant partners in tourism, culture, and commerce, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said during her speech at the Delphi Paris Forum II on Thursday.

Speaking at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in Paris, Kefalogianni highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between Greece and France, particularly in addressing shared challenges and enhancing the tourism experience through cultural and technological advancements.

Greece and France: Shared values, Shared goals

Kefalogianni underlined the deep-rooted ties between Greece and France, describing the two nations as “leading powers in tourism” with shared European values. She pointed to challenges such as the climate crisis and increased competition from emerging destinations, which require coordinated efforts to maintain their positions as global tourism leaders.

“Greece and France share a unique bond built on a shared cultural heritage and common values. By working together, we can address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of our tourism industries,” she said.

Record year for French tourism to Greece

The minister announced that for the first time in history, Greece welcomed a record 2 million French visitors in 2024, underscoring the importance of the French market for Greek tourism. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a high-quality tourism model that balances economic growth, the well-being of local communities, and cultural preservation.

“Our goal is to develop a sustainable, year-round tourism destination, ensuring that Greece remains attractive while safeguarding the interests of our people and our cultural heritage,” Kefalogianni added.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

Cultural heritage and technology as cornerstones

Cultural heritage, Kefalogianni noted, is central to Greece’s tourism strategy and serves as “an investment in the future”. She highlighted the government’s efforts to link cultural activities with tourism, offering visitors a differentiated and enriched travel experience.

“By combining culture with innovative programs, we not only showcase Greece’s rich heritage but also set the stage for a more engaging and modern tourist experience,” she said.

Kefalogianni also highlighted the transformative potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of travel. “Technology can fundamentally change how travelers experience tourism, making it more immersive and tailored to individual preferences,” she said.

Delphi Paris Forum II: A platform for dialogue

The Delphi Paris Forum II took lace January 23-24 and brought together French and Greek government officials, policymakers, economists, academics, and leading business figures. The forum aims to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Greece and France and explore opportunities for further collaboration across various sectors.

The forum was organized by the Delphi Economic Forum during and held under the auspices of the Permanent Greek Representation to the OECD and the General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry. The event provided a platform for discussing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.