Olga Kefalogianni: Greece at the center of international investment developments in tourism

Greece was today at the center of international investment developments and the dialogue on the role of tourism in sustainable development, through the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni, at the Investopia Global Mediterranean Forum, which took place in Limassol, Cyprus.

The Minister participated as an official guest of the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates and President of the Forum, Mr. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, in an international event that aims to strengthen investment flows and form strategic synergies for the development of the Mediterranean region.

During her presentation on the panel entitled “Beyond Borders: Tourism’s Role in Economic Growth and Human Connection”, Ms. Kefalogianni highlighted Greece’s strategic role as a connecting link between the Mediterranean and Europe. At the same time, she highlighted Greece as an attractive investment destination, highlighting the contribution of tourism not only to economic growth but also to strengthening cultural cohesion and social ties.

Tourism and challenges of the new era

The Minister of Tourism focused on the global challenges that affect the future of tourism, with an emphasis on sustainability, technological progress, the resilience of tourist destinations, and the changing preferences of travelers. As she characteristically stated:

“The climate crisis is increasingly affecting travel. That is why we are implementing policies that enhance energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and the resilience of our tourism product.”

Ms. Kefalogianni also presented the main axes of the national tourism strategy, which emphasizes quality over quantity. Through an enriched mix of authentic experiences, the Ministry aims to extend the tourist season and the balanced development of all regions of the country.

She made particular reference to special forms of tourism, such as agrotourism, wine and gastronomic tourism, yachting, diving, and winter tourism, which she described as “the backbone of a multidisciplinary, sustainable and resilient tourism model for the Greece of the future”.

Diplomatic and business meetings

On the sidelines of the Forum, the Minister had bilateral meetings with both the UAE Minister of Economy, Mr. Al Marri, as well as with the Executive Board-nominated Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais. The discussions focused on investment cooperation prospects and issues related to international tourism planning and strengthening the resilience of the sector.

Athens 2026: Next Forum to be held

An important news of the day was the announcement of the co-organization of the next Investopia Global Mediterranean Forum in Athens in 2026. This decision highlights the international recognition of Greece as a regional hub for investment, innovation ,and green tourism development.

“Our participation in the Forum is an excellent opportunity to form new alliances and promote the Greek tourism product in strategic markets,” said Ms. Kefalogianni, expressing her confidence that the 2026 event in Athens will be a milestone in strengthening the investment dialogue in the wider region.

International participation with an emphasis on the Mediterranean

The panel also included the Minister of Tourism of Lebanon, Ms. Laura Khazen Lahoud, the Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Costas Koumis, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais, and Mr. Thanos Michaelides, CEO of Thanos Hotels & Resorts and President of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Christina Kokkalou, Founder and CEO of IMR – University of Nicosia.

The Investopia Global Mediterranean Forum is establishing itself as an institution that unites investment communities, governments, and business ecosystems, with the aim of highlighting investment opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation in one of the most geopolitically critical regions on the planet.