Published on
November 28, 2025
Greece and China take their tourism cooperation to the next level with the establishment of the Greek–Chinese Research Centre for Tourism and Cultural Heritage, a new initiative that aspires to solidify academic collaboration in global tourism research. This is a result of a close collaboration between the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HCMU) and Ningbo University, thus constituting a serious step forward in their ever-improving relationship on matters of tourism development, sustainable tourism, and management of cultural heritage.
The White Paper for 2026 will formally establish the framework of the centre, in order to achieve cross-cultural academic exchange, joint research projects, and the elaboration of best practices with respect to sustainable tourism. Under this cooperation, Greece and China will jointly tackle global challenges within the tourism sector, while advocating for the sustainability of tourism and cultural preservation around the world.
Enhancing Academic Collaboration Between Greece and China
The Greek–Chinese Research Centre builds on a long-standing partnership between HCMU’s Department of Business Administration and Tourism and Ningbo University. Over the years, the two universities have collaborated on various research projects, organized summer schools, exchanged faculty, and co-supervised postgraduate theses. This strong academic relationship has laid the foundation for the creation of the new research centre, which will now provide a more structured platform for expanding tourism research and promoting cross-border academic exchanges.
The tourism cooperation between Greece and China through this centre is expected to have a profound impact on the tourism industry in both countries. By pooling their resources and expertise, both nations can share knowledge on how to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation, and explore new avenues for cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation.
Strengthening Sustainable Tourism Through Joint Research
One of the key goals of the Greek–Chinese Research Centre is to advance sustainable tourism and cultural heritage research by offering joint academic programs and research opportunities for both Greek and Chinese students. The research conducted at the centre will focus on sustainable tourism development, heritage preservation, and destination management—areas that are central to both Greece’s and China’s long-term tourism strategies.
By fostering sustainable tourism practices, the centre will contribute to global conversations on how to develop tourism that respects the environment, communities, and cultures of the regions it touches. This international collaboration will help provide innovative solutions to challenges faced by the global tourism industry, such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and preserving cultural heritage in popular tourist destinations.
Expanding Education and Research Opportunities for Greek and Chinese Students
The centre will not only facilitate research but also provide new educational opportunities for students from both Greece and China. In the coming months, the Greek–Chinese Research Centre will launch educational programs that include postgraduate studies, doctoral research, and summer schools. These programs will allow students to gain expertise in tourism management, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainability, providing them with valuable skills for careers in the tourism and cultural sectors.
The initiative will also foster an exchange of ideas between Greek and Chinese students, encouraging them to share their unique perspectives on how to create sustainable tourism models that are suited to their respective countries. By investing in future generations of tourism professionals, the partnership will help shape the future of global tourism in a sustainable, culturally enriching way.
Bilateral Conference and Expanding Research Networks
In September 2026, the Greek–Chinese Research Centre will host a bilateral conference in Crete, focused on tourism and cultural heritage. This event will bring together academics, tourism professionals, and policy makers from both Greece and China to share knowledge and research findings. The conference will also serve as a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing tourism in both countries and developing collaborative solutions for global tourism challenges.
Additionally, the two universities aim to build a broader network of partner institutions in Greece and China, which will help secure funding for joint research projects. This growing network will help foster continued academic exchange and support research on key issues such as tourism development, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism practices.
Tourism Cooperation Impact: Enhancing Global Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism
The creation of the Greek–Chinese Research Centre has significant tourism cooperation impact, both for Greece and China and for the global tourism sector. This academic collaboration highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation to develop sustainable tourism strategies that can be applied worldwide. As two countries with rich cultural heritage and growing tourism sectors, Greece and China are well-positioned to lead the conversation on tourism sustainability and cultural preservation.
The tourism cooperation between the two nations also extends to business opportunities, as the research outcomes from the centre could inform policy decisions and tourism development plans for both countries. Additionally, collaborative research will help identify innovative solutions to challenges faced by the tourism industry, such as the need for better destination management and responsible tourism practices.
Future of Tourism Brand Growth: Leveraging Greece and China’s Unique Strengths
The Greek–Chinese Research Centre is also poised to impact tourism brand growth in both Greece and China. By showcasing the countries’ cultural assets, natural landscapes, and tourism innovations, the centre will support efforts to establish both nations as global leaders in sustainable tourism. Through this partnership, Greece and China will have the opportunity to share best practices and learn from one another, enhancing their tourism brand identities and strengthening their global reputation.
As both countries aim to grow their tourism sectors, the collaboration through the research centre will be pivotal in fostering a shared vision for sustainable tourism and helping them develop complementary strategies for attracting high-value visitors. The long-term impact of this tourism cooperation will contribute to a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism growth, both in Greece, China, and across the global tourism market.
Strengthening Tourism Cooperation Between Greece and China for Global Impact
The establishment of the Greek–Chinese Research Centre for Tourism and Cultural Heritage marks a very important milestone for Greece-China tourism cooperation, with substantial potential to contribute toward the future in terms of global sustainable tourism. The centre will encourage academic collaboration, innovative research, and cultural exchange that will help resolve critical issues in tourism development and heritage preservation while strengthening the global tourism sector.
As pressures of over-tourism and environmental degradation mount on the tourism industry, this partnership between Greece and China may lead the way in responsible travel. In this aspect, the Greek–Chinese Research Centre will have a lasting impact on the tourism growth of both countries and set a course for the future of global tourism with its focus on sustainability, cultural heritage, and tourism innovation.
