The dynamic relationship between tourism and culture, and the important role of cinema in promoting Greece and its cultural identity, was highlighted in her greeting by the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, during the opening ceremony of the 4th Greek Film Days festival in Istanbul. This festival presents selected Greek films to the public, showcasing the country’s contemporary cinematic creativity.
The festival is organized by the Non-Profit Urban Company EMEIS and the company ISTOS, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).
Minister Kefalogianni emphasized that the films present the identity of Greece through art, while giving Greeks and Turks the opportunity to get to know each other better, opening new channels of communication. She also underlined that culture is of utmost importance, as it gives people strength, pride, and hope to overcome obstacles and challenges.
“Culture contributes decisively to the national wealth of our countries and can act as a catalyst in achieving goals of prosperity and strengthening social cohesion,” she said. She also added that culture, through targeted policies, is linked to critical sectors of the economy, including tourism.
Strategic connection between tourism and culture
The Minister referred to the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Tourism, which include connecting tourism development with culture. She stressed that this strategy encompasses not only archaeological sites, museums, and historic places, but also intangible cultural heritage, traditions, festivals, performing arts, and contemporary Greek culture.
She made special mention of the power of cinema to enhance the international image of the country and to generate new interest in Greece as a place of inspiration and creativity.
Concluding her remarks, Minister Kefalogianni emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO actively support Greek film production and the international outreach of Greek culture. Specifically, she mentioned initiatives such as collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and actions aimed at attracting international film productions, highlighting Greece as a destination offering unique and authentic experiences.
The Minister was accompanied by the President of GNTO, Angeliki Varela, while the event was also attended by the Greek Consul General in Istanbul, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras.
Earlier, the Minister gave an interview to the NTV television network, where she spoke, among other things, about the increase in tourist flows from Turkey, mainly to the Aegean islands.
