Photo source: National Defense Ministry
Greece is stepping up efforts to position its military history as a key travel experience through a new development plan for military and war tourism.
The Greek Ministry of National Defense, together with the ministries of Tourism and Culture, has introduced the “Joint Comprehensive Action Plan for the Development of Military Tourism” — a coordinated strategy to promote the country’s military heritage as part of its wider tourism offering.
“Military tourism, as a thematic form of tourism, has the potential to showcase Greece’s long-standing military tradition, honor historical sacrifice, and at the same time support economic growth and tourism promotion on both national and international levels,” said Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis during the project’s recent presentation in Athens.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis speaking during the project’s presentation. Photo source: National Defense Ministry
The initiative underscores the cooperation of the three ministries in promoting military history and heritage while developing a modern and sustainable tourism product designed to attract visitors worldwide.
According to Davakis, the sector could boost regional development in areas with significant military heritage.
Understanding military tourism
Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis (fourth from right) with Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli (center), President of the Joint Military Tourism Steering Committee Lieutenant General (ret.) Konstantinos Karamesinis (fourth from left) and Secretary General of the Culture Ministry Giorgos Didaskalou (third from left). Photo source: National Defense Ministry
Military tourism is an emerging branch of thematic tourism focused on military history and preserving collective memory.
The project forms part of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in 2021 by the three ministries, which aims to promote significant military and war sites, museums and monuments, highlighting the role of the army, navy, and air force throughout Greek history.
“Military tourism is part of the ministry’s strategy to promote special and alternative forms of tourism, showcasing Greece’s assets in new ways,” said Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli.
As part of this effort, the War Museum of Athens has been appointed the “Coordinating and Implementing Agency” and works with the Joint Coordinating Committee for Military Tourism, established by a Joint Ministerial Decision in 2024, to oversee and coordinate the actions set out in the memorandum.
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