An agreement on the expanded, more systematic and close cooperation between Greece and Israel in the field of tourism was signed by the Minister of Tourism Haris Theocharis with his Israeli counterpart Orit Farkash-Hacohen. The agreement primarily concerns institutional cooperation between the two countries, the exchange of information and know-how, tourism investment, tourism promotion, tourism innovation and digitization, tourism education and training, as well as coordinated actions between Greece and Israel. during their representation in international organizations.
The agreement, as emphasized in a relevant announcement, comes as a culmination of the established common desire on the part of Greece and Israel to further develop and strengthen bilateral relations in the field of tourism and beyond.
Specifically, the agreement, which is for a period of five years and will be renewed automatically, promotes cooperation between the National Tourism Authorities of Greece and Israel, as well as the exchange of information on promotion and advertising. It also encourages direct cooperation between travel agencies and other tourism operators, as well as the exchange of information on tourism statistics, tourism policy and legislation, research and developments in the global tourism market. Conditions are created for direct cooperation through the sharing of know-how for the specific forms of tourism, as well as for the exchange of information on tourism investments, investment opportunities and incentive programs in the two countries.
The agreement, as underlined, provides for the coordinated participation of the national tourism authorities of Greece and Israel in exhibitions, seminars and other tourism promotion events. In addition, the promotion of entrepreneurship in the tourism sector and the exchange of information and practical experience in the field of tourism innovation and digitization for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises is promoted. Finally, cooperation, exchange of information and practical experience in the field of tourism education / vocational training is strengthened. The same will apply to the coordinated representation of Greece and Israel in the context of the activities of the World Tourism Organization, as well as other international tourism organizations.
On the occasion of the signing of the agreement, the Minister of Tourism Haris Theocharis stated that “with great satisfaction we complete the Cooperation Agreement between Greece and Israel, especially for the tourism sector. This agreement is part of the strategic plan of the Greek government and aims to take advantage of important alliances with countries in the wider Mediterranean region. Apart from the ties of friendship with Israel, Greece shares the same belief that tourism is a central lever of development in a modern, sustainable and profitable direction. Let us also not forget that for our country the tourist market of Israel is particularly important. In 2019 we hosted about 715,000 Israeli visitors. This number highlights Israel in the 9th country in arrivals in Greece “.
Israeli Tourism Minister Farkash-Hacohen stressed that “the signing of the agreement on international tourism is a beacon of hope, at a time when the skies are closed and the holidays are far away. “The agreement is a reminder to those employed throughout the tourism industry that we are working to ensure that they reopen as soon as possible.” He continued: “Tourism is always a two-way street. “Any agreement must be reciprocal, allowing the citizens of both countries to have equal positive experiences that travel and holidays can offer.”
Ms. Farkash-Hacohen also referred to the strategic alliance between Israel and Greece, saying that “the agreement we are signing today is another milestone in the long-term relationship between Greece and Israel, which is strategic for both our countries. “Israel and Greece are friends and allies – and our cooperation is something we appreciate very much.”
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