Australian-Greek cooperation to boost tourism links

On 4 July 2012 the Australian Ambassador to Greece Mrs Jenny Bloomfield called on the new Greek Minister for Tourism, the Hon Ms Olga Kefalogianni MP, to discuss opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between Australia and Greece in the tourism sector, utilising the significant community and people-to-people links between the two countries.
Mrs Bloomfield congratulated Minister Kefalogianni on the establishment of the new Ministry of Tourism noting the key role of the tourism sector in Greece's economy. Mrs Bloomfield discussed the sustained success of Australia's own tourism sector over a number of years, success that was underpinned by close government-industry cooperation and openness to foreign investment. Australia's tourism sector had responded well to changing global demands and continued to work closely with government to promote Australia as an overseas destination. Mrs Bloomfield and Minister Kefalogianni agreed that the large and vibrant Greek-Australian communities in both countries were an important link and presented significant opportunities for closer cooperation to promote the tourism sector in both countries.
"Tourism is a key sector of the Australia-Greece relationship, with over 100,000 Australians visiting Greece each year. In addition to this number, there is constant movement between the Greek-Australian communities from one country to the other for tourism and other purposes. Australia, like Greece, enjoys a unique reputation among tourists and both countries stand to benefit from closer cooperation based on the strength of existing relationships", Mrs Bloomfield said. "Australia's tourism services are a particular strength. Australian companies have had successes recently in Greece's tourism sector including in tourism services, infrastructure, transport and business tourism, and there are important opportunities as a result of planned privatisation of ports, marinas, airports and resorts in Greece", she added.
Australia, like Greece, has a large and important tourism industry that makes a strong contribution across the Australian economy. Tourism generates $94 billion in spending and contributes nearly $34 billion to Australia's GDP. It directly employs over 500,000 people and comprises nearly 10 per cent of total export earnings, making it Australia's largest service export industry.
Australia remains one of the most desired destinations for tourists from the rapidly growing economies of Asia and other key markets. In December 2011, the Australian Government announced 'Tourism 2020' , an integrated national framework to enhance growth, resilience and competitiveness in Australia's tourism industry and set the course for industry and governments to work in partnership to make the most of the forecast increase in international and domestic visitors and strong growth in demand from Asia.
"Australia has gained considerable experience and expertise in developing and managing a robust tourism sector. The success of the Australian tourism sector has been based on a commitment by successive governments to ongoing reforms to strengthen competitiveness and productivity, attract investment and build labour market skills, underpinned by a close partnership between industry and government within the framework of an integrated national plan", said Mrs Bloomfield.
She added that Australian governments had worked hard to ensure that potential tourists have access to simple visa procedures, including in many cases e-visas, while maintaining the overall integrity of Australia's visa regime.
"The tourism sector has enormous potential to be a key component of Greece's economic recovery and future prosperity. Australia stands ready to share our experience with Greece and assist in any way we can to ensure that this is the case", said Mrs Bloomfield.