The agreement was signed during an online meeting and is expected to open up new prospects for tourism flows between the two countries.

On Monday, October 26, FedHATTA, the Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators in Lebanon (ATTAL), and the Lebanese Hotel Association (LHA) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing partnerships in organized tourism and strengthening tourism ties between Greece and Lebanon.

The online meeting was attended by FedHATTA President Lysandros Tsilidis, FOLTA [what is this?] and LHA President Pierre Achkar, ATTAL President Jean Abboud, and ATTAL Secretary General Roukaya Hamed.

The discussions, which led to the signing of the agreement, focused on boosting two-way tourism flows between the countries through closer cooperation among tourism organizations and professionals in Greece and Lebanon. In this context, both sides also aim to expand opportunities for joint initiatives to promote their countries’ destinations.

During the discussion, the president of FedHATTA briefed representatives of the Lebanese organizations on the legal framework governing the operation of travel agencies from third countries in Greece. Specifically, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of Law 393/1976, individuals or businesses from third countries may operate a travel agency in Greece, provided that reciprocity applies and a special attorney-in-fact is appointed. If these conditions are not met, tourism services in Greece may be provided only through an agreement with a travel agency that is legally operating in the country.

The participants also discussed the possibility of Lebanese tourism organizations joining the EMTTAAS (East Mediterranean Travel & Tourist Agents Associations Synergies) initiative, which fosters cooperation among travel agency associations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Representatives of Lebanon’s tourism industry were also invited to attend the ECTAA Semi Annual Meeting, which will take place in Athens in December.

“We are honored to formalize this agreement. Our countries share historical ties, and this agreement reflects our commitment to working for the benefit of our members,” said Mr. Achkar.

Mr. Tsilidis, for his part, said: “FedHATTA continues to pursue initiatives that expand its international outreach and develop international partnerships, with the aim of establishing reliable channels of communication between Greek travel agencies and important markets in the wider region. We also briefed our colleagues on the legal framework governing the operation of travel agencies from third countries in Greece, so that our partnerships can develop on a clear and lawful basis.”