The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) is set to establish an Australia Abroad Office in Melbourne, marking a major step in strengthening Greece’s tourism presence in the region. The office will be housed at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) 15-storey Cultural Centre, with the GCM providing space and two years of free facility use to support its launch.
In a recent letter to GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, the Secretary General of the GNTO, Andreas Fiorentinos, confirmed that the process of selecting an executive to head the new office is well underway and expected to conclude shortly.
Fiorentinos emphasised the importance of the GCM’s generous offer of space in the Greek Centre building for the office, along with the provision of two years of free facility use. This support is crucial to the smooth launch of the office’s operations.
“Australia is a strategic market for Greek tourism, with potential for year-round growth in travel to Greece. The Greek Diaspora, with its longstanding and strong presence in Australia, plays a vital role in helping to promote Greece and support national tourism objectives,” said Fiorentinos.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM expressed his enthusiasm for the GNTO’s new presence in Melbourne, highlighting its potential to strengthen the bond between Australia and Greece.
“This office will not only boost tourism but also foster exchanges in culture and education.
The more connections we build between our two countries, the more opportunities we create for meaningful collaboration,” he said.
In recognition of the significant contributions of the GCM and its leadership under Papastergiadis, the letter from the GNTO also thanked the GCM for its continued efforts to promote Greece’s image abroad and nurture bilateral relations.
GCM Vice President, Anthea Sidiropoulou, added, “The opening of the GNTO office in Melbourne is a pivotal step in promoting Greek tourism. As a community, we are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance our ties with Greece. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have.”
The GCM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Greek-Australian relations and promote Greece as a leading tourist destination continue to flourish with this exciting new chapter. The GNTO office is expected to make a significant contribution to tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth between the two countries.
