Greece-Iran tourism ties are strengthening
FedHATTA initiatives for the strategic relaunch of the Iranian market for Greece
On the occasion of the visit of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, to Greece and the contacts that took place at an institutional level, the FedHATTA explored ways to strategically strengthen tourism flows from Iran to our country. In this context, the President of FedHATTA, Lysandros Tsilidis, participated in the working lunch at the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Athens, Malek Hossein Givzad, during which the relaunch of the Iranian market in Greek tourism was discussed.
Mr. Tsilidis referred to ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries with mutual benefits.
During the meeting, it was noted that the interest of Iranian travelers in Greece remains particularly strong, while it was recalled that in the past there was intense travel mobility, especially during the period when the direct Tehran-Athens air connection was operating. In this context, the intention was expressed to investigate the reinstatement of this specific line. Mr. Tsilidis expressed his active support for these efforts, encouraged the organization of cultural activities and thematic events, while accepting an invitation to participate in the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition (TITE) in February 2026, with the Iranian side providing hospitality services.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the significant obstacles currently faced by Iranian travelers in the visa issuance process for Greece, an issue that was raised as a determining factor for the further development of the market.
Also, in the context of strengthening two-way tourism flows, the organization of a mission of Greek tourism professionals to Iran was discussed, with the participation of a group of travel journalists, while promotional material for Iran is also to be distributed to Greek tourism agencies.
The President of FedHATTA, Lysandros Tsilidis, stated: “The free movement of ideas and people is a good of our time. With full respect for every economic and political process that applies internationally, we cannot close our ears to the fundamental right of people to travel more widely in the world and in our country in particular. Especially when it comes to peoples with a long cultural history, who wish to experience destinations and pass this experience on to future generations. Greece is a chosen destination for travelers from all over the world and facilitating access, through the issuance of visas, is a crucial issue for the development of tourism.”
These initiatives are part of a broader framework of contacts and collaborations that are developing on the occasion of the visit of the Iranian political leadership to Greece and the meetings that took place with the Greek State, confirming the will of all those involved for a substantial restart of the tourism cooperation between Greece and Iran.
FedHATTA points out that, within the framework of its strategy to open up to new markets, interest is not limited to Iran, but also extends to countries such as Egypt, India, Japan and Armenia, where growing momentum and significant prospects for Greek tourism are observed.
The Iranian Minister traveled to Athens last week within the framework of the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations.
