ATHENS — Canada and Greece are joining forces to enhance tourism between the two countries.

At a meeting in Athens on March 13, Karine Asselin, Ambassador of Canada to Greece, and Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism for Greece, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of tourism.

As part of the MOU, both countries commit to enhancing cooperation and exchanging views on travel and tourism to help inform approaches that will enhance tourism between the two countries. Key areas of focus include institutional cooperation, the exchange of information and data related to travel and tourism, and sharing best practices on climate action in tourism.

“Since its application, the Canada-EU free trade agreement is continuing in an impressive upwards trajectory. This MOU on tourism will contribute to the momentum and close ties between Greeks and Canadians, with important economic benefits,” said Ambassador Asselin.

Canada and Greece have a growing trade and investment relationship, underpinned by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade with Greece totalled $645.8 million.

According to data from UN Tourism, Greece consistently ranks as a top 10 European destination for Canadian travellers. In 2023, Greek tourists spent approximately $6.9 million while visiting Canada, about $2.1 million more than in 2022.