Greece's Ministry of Tourism honors Sir Stephen Fry

In a glittering event at the Acropolis Museum, the Ministry of Tourism honored Sir Stephen Fry for his invaluable contribution to the promotion of Greek hospitality, and Greek culture and his tireless support for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. Sir Stephen Fry, one of the most versatile and beloved intellectuals of modern Britain, is considered an emblematic ambassador of Greece and Greek culture not only in the British market but also throughout the world.

The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, in her speech, emphasized that Greece will continue to be a beacon of culture and creativity, a pole of attraction for travelers from every corner of the world. She added:

I am confident that, with the support of people like Sir Stephen Fry, we can achieve our goal: to welcome people with respect for our cultural heritage, to share the wealth of the Greek spirit, and, above all, to reunite the Parthenon Sculptures with their homeland. Sir Fry, your contribution to this mission is invaluable”.

The event in honor of Sir Stephen Fry was held on the occasion of his new book ‘The Odyssey’

“This is not just a literary rendition of the Homeric epic”, stressed Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, “but a modern bridge that connects the past with the present, the myth with reality…The Odyssey is a story of search, endurance and return. And we could not find a more fitting metaphor for the Parthenon Sculptures. They have been away from their homeland for two centuries, but their journey of return has not stopped.”

The Minister of Tourism underlined the timeless importance of Greek culture and its decisive role in shaping the world’s cultural heritage, as with its unsurpassed works of art, philosophy, democracy, and mythology, it constitutes a constant beacon of inspiration and knowledge.

Greece is not just a tourist destination, but a place where the past and the present coexist harmoniously, the Minister of Tourism pointed out.

“Our cultural heritage is the core of Greek identity and makes our country unique on the global tourist map.”

Ms. Kefalogianni added that cultural tourism is one of the main pillars of the Ministry of Tourism’s strategy, underlining that visitors who choose Greece do not come only for its natural beauty, but also to experience the history, art, and philosophy that gave birth to Western civilization.

“Visitors who come to our country do not simply seek to see our monuments, but to experience history, to walk the paths of ancient wisdom, and to touch the roots of civilization,” she said.

Stephen Fry’s support for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures

With targeted actions, Greece is strengthening its position as a leading cultural destination. The Acropolis Museum is the living symbol of this strategy, offering a comprehensive experience to visitors and strengthening the demand for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures.

The Minister of Tourism stated that Stephen Fry’s support for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures is not just a symbolic gesture, but a substantive act of cultural justice and respect for history.

Sir Fry’s speech at the Intelligence Squared Debate, where he passionately defended the Greek demand, had an international impact and was an important milestone in the fight for the return of the Sculptures. At the same time, through his books, such as “Mythos”, “Heroes” and “Troy”, he highlights the importance of Greek mythology, making it accessible and attractive to the global reading public.

International support for the Greek request is becoming increasingly stronger. The recent return of the Fagan fragment from Sicily and the donation of sculptures from the Vatican marks the beginning of a new era. Greece, with allies such as Sir Stephen Fry, continues tirelessly in the fight for the restoration of its cultural heritage.

“The return of the Parthenon Sculptures does not only concern Greece. It is a global issue of cultural justice. Your voice, Sir Fry, has contributed decisively to strengthening this effort”, emphasized the Minister.

The Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Kefalogianni added, will continue to highlight Greek culture as an integral part of the country's tourism identity, ensuring that Greece remains a top destination for those seeking an experience that combines history, tradition, and modern creativity.

In his speech, Sir Stephen Fry "stressed that there must be political will on the part of Great Britain. We need to find a common language,and words that will cover both sides. The word cooperation is the best. We are in one of the best museums in the world that can now welcome the Parthenon sculptures that are in the British Museum". He also noted that the British Museum can use new technologies and in turn, have copies of the Parthenon sculptures.

“We are in one of the best museums in the world that can now welcome the Parthenon sculptures,” he said characteristically, adding that the British museum can use new technologies and in turn have copies.

Referring to the dynamics of his 4th book, “The Odyssey,” he emphasized that it deals with all the universal issues that concern us today.

He made special reference to the dangers and prospects of Artificial Intelligence, which he compared with the myth of Prometheus.

With a rich and moving presentation, the General Director of the Acropolis Museum, Professor Nikos Stampolidis, argued for the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures in Greece, highlighting both the cultural issue and the fair and moral framework.

“We are moving forward. Because the job of the Acropolis Museum is to provide scientific arguments in this effort”, emphasized Mr. Stampolidis.

He added that “we expect all the democracies of the civilized world to do their duty by reuniting the members of one body. The Parthenon asks for them. It is not only Greece that asks for them. Greece asks for them for humanity”

The event, which was presented by ERT journalist Yiannis Moutsios, was attended by people of the spirit and art, politicians and representatives of the tourism industry.

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