HOC Secretary General Stefanos Chandakas, HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
With its rich Olympic heritage and growing appeal as a year-round destination, Greece is turning to sports tourism as a strategic pillar of economic and regional development.
The country took a major step in that direction on June 20, when the Greek Tourism Ministry and the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, formalizing a strategic alliance aimed at expanding Greece’s presence in the global sports tourism market.
The agreement, signed by Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos, marks the first institutional partnership between the two entities and signals a coordinated push to capitalize on Greece’s competitive edge in sports-related travel and training.
Photo source: Tourism Ministry
As both parties noted, Greece has the infrastructure, climate, and heritage to take a leading role in hosting international sporting events and attracting athletes who train year-round. The collaboration with national sports federations is expected to support the development of less mainstream sports across different regions, broadening the country’s athletic and tourism appeal.
“Sports are deeply woven into our national identity and are closely tied to outward-looking policies, cultural heritage, and Olympic values,” said Minister Kefalogianni.
She highlighted that trust and shared values between the ministry and the HOC will form the foundation for a long-term strategy to strengthen sports tourism.
Photo source: Tourism Ministry
“By organizing major sporting events and developing training centers, we can spotlight lesser-known destinations and deliver tangible benefits to local communities,” she added.
Kefalogianni also praised the HOC’s initiative to integrate sustainability into sports, aligning with the ministry’s broader goals for responsible tourism development.
“Greece is gaining international visibility and economic value through sports tourism and major events,” said HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos.
“The tourism ministry is becoming a key partner in the efforts of the HOC and sports federations. Together, we can offer high-level services while promoting the timeless values of Olympism.”
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