Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Marriott Hotel in Riyadh hosted the “Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop,” an event designed to bolster tourism ties between Greece and Saudi Arabia. Organized by Tourism Media & Events, the workshop saw the participation of 56 Saudi Arabian travel agents and tour operators, with a primary objective of fostering agreements and increasing travel flows to Greece in the lead-up to 2026.
Official Support and High-Level Participation
The workshop operated under the esteemed auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) serving as the main sponsor. Key regional and municipal entities also contributed to the event, including the Region of Crete and the Development Agency of the City of Athens – This is Athens. The new Ambassador of Greece to Riyadh, Aikaterini Varvarigou, honored the workshop with her presence and delivered a welcoming address, underscoring the diplomatic importance of the initiative.
Greece: A Luxury and Authentic Destination
Greece is increasingly recognized globally as a premier destination that seamlessly blends luxury with authentic experiences. Recent significant investments in high-end hotel properties, coupled with the strategic promotion of Greek gastronomy through local products, the introduction of modern wellness services, and personalized hospitality, have positioned the country among the top choices for high-end travelers. This appeal extends particularly to visitors from the Middle East, who are seeking unique and enriching travel experiences.
Growing Saudi Interest and Enhanced Connectivity
The burgeoning interest from the Saudi Arabian market in Greece is evident through several key indicators. There has been a notable expansion of direct flight connections between the two nations, alongside an increase in available capacity at Greek airports. These developments signify a strong and growing momentum in bilateral tourism, facilitating easier access for Saudi travelers to explore Greece’s diverse offerings.
Targeted B2B Meetings and Future Collaborations
A crucial component of the workshop involved targeted B2B (business-to-business) meetings. These sessions brought together leading Greek tourism enterprises and destinations with Saudi travel agents and tour operators. The direct interactions were designed to strengthen prospects for new partnerships and stimulate further growth in travel flows to Greece, fostering a collaborative environment for future tourism initiatives.
Insightful Presentations from Greek Entities
Following the successful business meetings, a series of informative presentations were delivered. The Region of Crete provided an overview of its tourism offerings, presented by Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism. The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce shared insights through Lena Stefanoudaki, Head of the Business Support Office. Additionally, Mideast Travel Worldwide, represented by General Manager Katerina Mousbeh, showcased their expertise and services, further enriching the workshop’s content.
The event concluded with a strong sense of optimism for the future of Greek-Saudi tourism relations, with both sides committed to leveraging these new connections for mutual benefit and increased visitor numbers to Greece.
