Greek MP Harry Theoharis and Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni (third from left). Photo source: Tourism Ministry
Greece joined global tourism leaders at the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in Segovia, Spain, underscoring tourism’s vital role in global economic development and advocating for stronger sustainability policies.
Held from May 29 to 30, the milestone session marked the 50th anniversary of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and focused on progress across the organization’s core priorities: innovation, investment, and education.
Representing Greece, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni met with counterparts from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, Jamaica, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Lithuania, presenting Greece’s views on tourism’s expanding influence on both economies and communities.
“The development of global tourism impacts all sectors of economic and social life,” said Kefalogianni, calling for coordinated action through UN Tourism to support the sector’s transformation.
Sustainability at the forefront
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- Photo source: Tourism Ministry
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- Photo source: Tourism Ministry
With climate concerns pushing sustainability to the top of the agenda, Kefalogianni proposed that UN Tourism back green initiatives with stable and accessible funding, especially within Europe.
“Our country supports strengthening tourism policy on the European agenda within UN Tourism, and this must be matched by reliable funding mechanisms to support sustainability-focused tourism projects,” she noted.
The minister and her counterparts highlighted cross-border cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing tourism as a key pillar of sustainable global development. They also encouraged UN Tourism to take an increasingly active political role – within its institutional framework – to support member states in this mission.
On the sidelines of the Council, Greece participated in a special Saudi-hosted presentation of the TOURISE initiative, ahead of the upcoming UN Tourism General Assembly to be held in Riyadh this November.
Greek participation and future outlook
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- Photo source: Tourism Ministry
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- Photo source: Tourism Ministry
Greece also maintained a prominent role in leadership discussions through the candidacy of MP and former tourism minister Harry Theoharis for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism. While Theoharis was not elected, the candidacy showcased Greece’s strategic commitment to sustainable tourism and international engagement.
“Although he was ultimately not elected, his candidacy – built on months of serious preparation – demonstrated Greece’s prestige on the international tourism map,” said Kefalogianni. “He fought with dignity and was a true ambassador for the values and potential of Greek tourism.”
Looking ahead, Greece will seek re-election to the UN Tourism Executive Board during the upcoming elections on June 5 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Greek MP Harry Theoharis and Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
The 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council also marked a leadership milestone for the organization itself: pending approval by the General Assembly, Shaikha Al Nowais will become the first woman to serve as Secretary-General of UN Tourism, beginning in 2026.
“Greece is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations,” Kefalogianni concluded. “We continue to work toward stronger cooperation among states, a thriving public-private sector partnership, and a fair, sustainable model of tourism-led growth.”
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