Published on
December 12, 2025
In a significant move to enhance cultural and tourism relations, Greece and Iran are working together to expand their tourism cooperation. The recent discussions between Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni and Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, mark the beginning of a new chapter in the two countries’ tourism collaboration. Both nations, with their rich history and cultural legacies, are committed to increasing mutual tourism arrivals, sharing expertise, and exploring new opportunities for growth.
The meeting was part of the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations held in Greece, where both leaders addressed ways to increase tourism between Greece and Iran, furthering their long-standing ties. The discussion focused on promoting destinations, organizing familiarization (fam) trips, and establishing a more flexible operational framework to make the collaboration more dynamic and impactful. Iran has also extended an invitation to Greece to participate in the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition (TITE) in February 2026, signaling the country’s expanding tourism sector.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Tourism: Greece and Iran’s Vision for the Future
Greece and Iran’s joint effort to boost tourism cooperation goes beyond simply increasing tourist arrivals. It is a strategy aimed at fostering a deeper understanding between the two countries, with an emphasis on shared cultural heritage, mutual respect, and long-term economic benefits. Both Greece and Iran boast ancient civilizations, and tourism represents an excellent vehicle for preserving and showcasing their rich cultural histories.
Key Focus Areas of Cooperation:
Increasing Visitor Arrivals from Iran: Greece aims to become a top destination for Iranian travelers. The Ministry of Tourism in Greece is implementing targeted marketing strategies to promote the country’s iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems to the Iranian market.
Exchanging Expertise and Know-How: Both nations agree that the exchange of tourism best practices and strategies will benefit their tourism industries. Greece’s experience with a booming tourism sector offers valuable insights, while Iran’s focus on developing specialized forms of tourism like cultural, wellness, and eco-tourism will add to the richness of the partnership.
Targeted Fam Trips: Special trips will be organized to introduce key players in both tourism markets to each other’s destinations, building relationships and potential partnerships. These trips will also serve to increase awareness of both countries’ offerings.
Updating the 1998 Memorandum of Cooperation: The ministers agreed that the framework established under the 1998 Memorandum of Cooperation needs to be updated to reflect modern challenges and opportunities in tourism. Both countries are working on an actionable Joint Action Program to streamline collaboration and accelerate results.
Promoting Cultural and Heritage Tourism
One of the key areas that both Greece and Iran share is their deep cultural heritage. Greece is home to some of the world’s most famous ancient sites, including the Acropolis and Delphi, while Iran boasts 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and rich traditions. This shared cultural treasure trove is the perfect foundation for a thriving tourism collaboration.
Both nations are committed to cultural tourism, which not only attracts visitors but also promotes the protection and preservation of their heritage. By focusing on cultural experiences, the two countries hope to attract more travelers who are eager to learn and immerse themselves in history. Greece’s strategy of diversifying its tourism offerings through gastronomic, wellness, and conference tourism will complement Iran’s strengths in cultural tourism, offering a balanced and dynamic tourism experience for visitors.
Tourism Cooperation at a Multilateral Level
The re-election of both Greece and Iran to the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) provides a unique platform for the two countries to collaborate more closely on a global scale. With the shared goal of safeguarding cultural heritage, Greece and Iran are poised to lead the way in cultural tourism, advocating for sustainable tourism practices that will benefit future generations.
By aligning their efforts within the UNWTO framework, Greece and Iran can leverage the global influence of this organization to promote both countries as top-tier cultural destinations, while ensuring that tourism remains respectful to local traditions, history, and the environment.
Greece’s Expanding Tourism Offerings
Greece’s tourism sector has long been one of the most successful in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year. However, with a growing need to diversify offerings and attract new markets, the Greek government has recognized the importance of expanding beyond traditional sun-and-sea tourism. By working with Iran, Greece aims to promote new forms of tourism and welcome visitors from emerging markets.
Greece’s tourism strategy for the future focuses on three key elements:
Cultural Tourism: Encouraging tourists to explore Greece’s rich history and visit archaeological sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and cultural festivals.
Gastronomic Tourism: Promoting Greece’s culinary delights, with a focus on authentic, local dining experiences that showcase Mediterranean cuisine.
Wellness Tourism: Building on Greece’s natural beauty, the country aims to attract wellness seekers through yoga retreats, natural hot springs, and spa resorts.
Greece’s tourism sector is also heavily investing in conference and incentive tourism, capitalizing on its appealing mix of history, culture, and modern infrastructure. Hosting international events, conferences, and exhibitions will not only increase visitor numbers but will also support the Greek economy by promoting trade and networking opportunities.
Iran’s Growing Tourism Sector
Iran’s tourism sector has seen substantial growth in recent years. With its 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iran is a country rich in ancient cities, cultural monuments, and natural landscapes. The Iranian government has focused on developing special types of tourism, such as cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and wellness tourism, in order to capitalize on its vast natural beauty and historical treasures.
Key developments in Iran’s tourism sector include:
Eco-Tourism: Promoting Iran’s stunning natural parks and diverse landscapes, Iran offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of its mountains, deserts, and forests.
Cultural Tourism: Iran’s ancient ruins, historic bazaars, and traditional festivals are gaining increasing attention from international tourists.
Specialized Tours: Iran is becoming known for its specialized tourism experiences, such as heritage tours focused on Persian history, architecture, and art.
The Iranian government has also invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure, including new airports, hotels, and transportation systems, to accommodate a growing number of visitors. These investments will help Iran position itself as a global tourism player in the coming years.
What’s Next for Greece and Iran’s Tourism Partnership?
As Greece and Iran strengthen their cooperation in the tourism sector, they will likely see a variety of positive outcomes, including increased international visitors, greater cultural exchange, and economic growth. The Tehran International Tourism Exhibition in February 2026 is poised to be a key event where both countries can showcase their offerings to a global audience. The invitation for Greece to participate signals a deepening of the relationship between the two nations and highlights the potential for Iran to become a major player in the global tourism market.
Further developments, including targeted fam trips and joint tourism initiatives, will ensure that both nations benefit from the growing demand for cultural, heritage, and experiential travel. The partnership will also encourage the development of new tourism infrastructure and services that cater to the needs of travelers from Iran and beyond.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Greek-Iranian Tourism
In conclusion, the growing tourism collaboration between Greece and Iran offers immense potential for both countries. With a shared history, strong cultural ties, and complementary tourism offerings, the future looks bright for this partnership. By working together, Greece and Iran can attract more visitors, protect and showcase their cultural heritage, and drive economic growth through tourism.
As the two countries continue to expand their tourism cooperation, the opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, new market development, and enhanced international tourism will only grow. By the time the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition rolls around in 2026, Greece and Iran will have built a stronger foundation for a prosperous and sustainable tourism future.
