Page 101 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (Part 1)_Neat

Press Release

UAE and Greece explore ways to enhance partnership in green and

sustainable tourism

H.E. Bin Touq holds meeting with Greek Tourism minister

Abu Dhabi, 01 May 2025 – H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, met with H.E.
Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Minister of Tourism, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in
the tourism sector between the two countries, contributing to establishing both nations as leading
destinations at the regional and global levels.

During the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that the UAE-Greek relations are witnessing steady
progress across various economic and developmental fields, particularly in the tourism sector,
which serves as a key pillar promoting cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries.
H.E. highlighted the importance of expanding the scope of cooperation in joint tourism promotion,
exchanging expertise and knowledge, and supporting investments in the tourism and hospitality
sectors.

The Minister of Economy said: “The continuous development of the tourism sector is a strategic
priority for the UAE, in line with its vision of becoming a leading global tourism destination.
Similarly, Greece possesses invaluable experience in tourism sector development and attracting
tourists from around the world, which enhances the commonalities between the two countries in
this field and opens up wider horizons for advancing cooperation.” The meeting discussed ways to
enhance the status of both countries as gateways for tourism in the Middle East and Europe,
contributing to solidifying their position on the global tourism map.

The meeting explored the strengthening of cooperation in the fields of sustainable tourism, green
tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. Furthermore, the two ministers emphasized the importance
of coordination and collaboration within the framework of the UN Tourism, reflecting their shared
commitment to developing tourism partnership. The two sides also addressed the significance of
enhancing air connectivity between the UAE and Greece, which would increase the mutual flow
of tourists. Currently, there are 33 weekly flights connecting the two destinations, operated by the
airlines of both countries.

Finally, the meeting discussed the importance of knowledge exchange in the tourism sector
between the public and private sectors in the UAE and Greece, as well as sharing experiences in
policymaking, with a focus on innovation and sustainability in the sector. The two sides also

1