Greece's Ministry of Tourism honors Sir Stephen Fry

Α Decrease font Enlarge font
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.

RELATED TOPICS: GreeceGreek tourism newsTourism in GreeceGreek islandsHotels in GreeceTravel to GreeceGreek destinationsGreek travel marketGreek tourism statisticsGreek tourism report

Tornos
  1. 16/02 14:34

    Pan-Cretan Culinary Gift Competition 2025

  2. 16/02 13:49

    Pieria’s tourist promotion in the Turkish market

  3. 16/02 08:45

    Ski Mountaineering Race on Mount Olympus and Cycling Race in Larissa

  4. 15/02 15:27

    European air transport | What changes are coming to passenger rights

  5. 15/02 13:37

    Easyjet | Flights from Berlin to Crete, Corfu and Rhodes in the summer

  6. 15/02 09:41

    Ski mountaineering is developing into a tourist product in Crete

  7. 14/02 19:45

    Turkish tourists arrive in Greek island of Rhodes this season

  8. 14/02 19:44

    Love at first sight for Lipsi - watch the Mayor's music video with rapper

  9. 14/02 18:31

    The picture of short-term rental in Greece in 2024 - revenues at 874 million euros

  10. 14/02 13:36

    GNTO UK meets Irish media in Dublin

  11. 14/02 12:26

    Pieria's promotion in the Italian market - POTAP's participation in the BIT exhibition

  12. 14/02 11:23

    Olga Kefalogianni honored at reception for birthday of the Japanese Emperor

  13. 14/02 11:15

    Greek Meetings Alliance meets with Andreas Fiorentinos on MICE tourism

  14. 14/02 09:04

    Wine Routes in the Peloponnese: Three Families, Three Stories of Passion

  15. 14/02 07:56

    V. Katsaras | Optimism for the season in the Greek island of Naxos

  16. 14/02 06:51

    European Airport Passenger Traffic in 2024: Recovery and New Challenges

  17. 13/02 19:13

    Greek Tourism Minister meets with the Ambassadors of Algeria and Romania

  18. 13/02 17:19

    Halkidiki: The Greek paradise that fascinates Italy

  19. 13/02 15:16

    Dertour acquires Hotelplan Group without Interhome

  20. 13/02 12:57

    FORTH's new Research and Culture Multi-Cultural Center opens in Heraklion

  21. 13/02 12:54

    Sun d’Or: 5 weekly connections to Heraklion in the summer of 2025

  22. 13/02 12:51

    New general manager of IHG for Oman, Qatar and Bahrain

  23. 13/02 12:10

    How VW is extending the tourist season in Greece - which hotel did it open for its sake

  24. 13/02 12:03

    Athenian Carnival with a multitude of activities in the seven municipal communities

  25. 13/02 12:00

    This year, access to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Rethymno will be by ticket

  26. 13/02 09:47

    Payments of subsidies for hotel investments in Zagori, Xylokastro, and Sivota

  27. 13/02 09:35

    Forbes Awards to 15 Greek hotels – The three trends changing luxury travel

  28. 13/02 08:41

    Amfilochia: Development of digital content for tourism promotion

  29. 13/02 07:44

    Cooperation network of municipalities of Eastern Mani and Gavdos and for tourism

  30. 12/02 20:46

    Patras Carnival | Prices and occupancy skyrocketing - Indicative "price list"

  31. 12/02 20:27

    Alexandros Vassilikos was honored today by the North Aegean Region

  32. 12/02 20:19

    Olympic Holidays | Albania is a new destination this summer - additions to Greece and Cyprus

  33. 12/02 19:15

    Museum of Cycladic Art | Unknown Stories of Women of the Cyclades islands

  34. 12/02 16:10

    The Israeli Ambassador to Greece visits the Heraklion Chamber

  35. 12/02 15:03

    Royal Caribbean International | Cruises from Piraeus in the summer of 2025

  36. 12/02 14:59

    Smartwings Poland: New charter flights to Kavala in 2025

  37. 12/02 13:05

    Eurowings launches new tour operator in Germany - aiming to reach top-10

  38. 12/02 12:56

    Tourism | Halkidiki among the steadily growing destinations in Greece

  39. 12/02 12:51

    Thessaloniki, the main port of the Balkans - The port's Master Plan

  40. 12/02 11:37

    11th Birthday for Discovergreece.com 

  41. 12/02 07:31

    Expansion and promotion of the Explore Ionian Islands application

  42. 12/02 07:18

    The Region of Western Greece travels to New York

  43. 12/02 07:11

    Tourism: Where will Germans travel in 2025 - Greece's position

  44. 12/02 06:23

    The X-ray of Corfu's 5 main tourist markets

  45. 12/02 01:04

    Direct connection of Chania airport to Israel to be strengthened

  46. 11/02 21:17

    Attica taxi drivers' union to organize 24-hour strike on February 19

  47. 11/02 20:11

    Greek Tourism Minister and S. Korean Ambassador talk sector cooperation

  48. 11/02 17:31

    The Athens Hoteliers Association celebrates its 80th anniversary

  49. 11/02 17:07

    Barclays and Wyndham renew co-branded credit card partnership

  50. 11/02 16:28

    The flagship project "Urban Regeneration of parts of Eastern Kalamaria" underway

  51. 11/02 16:15

    Commission: European Water Resilience Strategy in public consultation

  52. 11/02 15:37

    Greek Tourism: Heading for new records in 2025 from 5 major markets

  53. 11/02 12:50

    TUI | Greece at the top of summer bookings

  54. 11/02 12:47

    Etihad: With the new Airbus A321neo LR, the Abu Dhabi - Athens connection in 2026

  55. 11/02 12:47

    The Athens Municipal Library reopens on February 11, 2025

  56. 11/02 08:59

    Kos as a pioneering center for sustainable island development

  57. 11/02 08:44

    Psara: Tourism development with an emphasis on the rich historical heritage

  58. 11/02 07:55

    Lycabettus Run Race on Lycabettus Hill on February 23rd

  59. 11/02 07:52

    Croatia | 9 international airports support tourism development - connectivity with Greece

  60. 11/02 01:39

    What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber

  61. 10/02 16:58

    Saudia: New seasonal connection Jeddah – Heraklion in summer 2025

  62. 10/02 14:54

    Opening Crete to the Indian and Asian tourism market

  63. 10/02 14:40

    1 in 4 fall in love while traveling - Valentine's Day survey

  64. 10/02 09:34

    Expedia Group: 12% more nights in 2024

  65. 10/02 07:49

    Decisions for 6 hotels in Rhodes, Spetses, Crete, Kalamata, and Agia Marina Fthiotidas

  66. 10/02 07:44

    Greek yachting at the BOOT exhibition

  67. 09/02 19:36

    Rethymno Carnival 2025 | The event of the theme “Come to the Light” is fantastic

  68. 09/02 07:32

    How can tourism contribute to the growth of Greek cosmetic products in Britain

  69. 09/02 07:29

    Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete

  70. 08/02 18:02

    Landing of Kantanos-Selinou Municipality in Reisen Hamburg 2025 exhibition

  71. 08/02 08:24

    Chris Nassetta, Hilton: Optimistic about 2025 despite market challenges

  72. 08/02 07:19

    Seven shipwrecks removed from Pylos marina

  73. 07/02 23:09

    Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania

  74. 07/02 18:40

    Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena

  75. 07/02 15:06

    FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market

  76. 07/02 14:35

    New Head of Hotel Purchasing at alltours

  77. 07/02 13:49

    ShortStay Conference 2025 returns to Athens

  78. 07/02 13:26

    Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open

  79. 07/02 13:02

    Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer

  80. 07/02 12:26

    Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where

  81. 07/02 11:19

    Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025

  82. 07/02 06:55

    Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain

  83. 07/02 06:41

    British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024

  84. 07/02 06:14

    Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos

  85. 06/02 18:58

    Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace

  86. 06/02 18:54

    Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025

  87. 06/02 18:25

    29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season

  88. 06/02 16:43

    Artificial intelligence in tourism: what TUI research shows

  89. 06/02 15:49

    Greece, a holiday and investment destination for Arabs

  90. 06/02 14:42

    Sotheby’s: The Athenian Riviera is first in demand for luxury properties

  91. 06/02 13:48

    More flights to Greece in 2025 from the Irish market

  92. 06/02 12:05

    Travelers are paying attention to cost and quality, few to sustainability

  93. 06/02 11:57

    Wyndham and HR Group expand into Germany, Austria and the Netherlands

  94. 06/02 07:37

    How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season

  95. 06/02 07:28

    Attica Region: There is no overtourism in Athens - a warning for infrastructure

  96. 06/02 07:16

    Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Rhodes, Chania, Itilo and Sivota

  97. 06/02 07:05

    Crete will send its visitors for greens!

  98. 06/02 06:11

    Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas

  99. 05/02 19:57

    Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel

  100. 05/02 19:03

    National Action Plan for Cycling, with development in cycling tourism