Greek Community of Melbourne welcomes progress on Greek National Tourism Office

·

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has welcomed the announcement by Greece’s Ministry of Tourism regarding the immediate operation of an office of the Greek Tourism Organisation (EOT) at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

On May 21, EOT announced the immediate recruitment for the position of Head of the office based at the Greek Centre in Melbourne, with local jurisdiction covering Australia, New Zealand, and other island nations of Oceania.

Over the past nine years, the GCM has engaged in a series of contacts and démarches with the Greek Government, the relevant ministries, and associated bodies, advocating for the establishment of an EOT office in Melbourne.

The President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis, expressed his delight at this significant initiative, emphasising its importance for strengthening ties not only between Greece and Australia, but also between Greece and the Greek diaspora.

“We warmly welcome this move, which will not only strengthen Greek Australian relations but also promote the cultural and tourist image of our homeland,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

“The Ministry of Tourism is becoming another bridge connecting the Greek diaspora in Australia with the motherland. The EOT office in Melbourne will serve as a reference point for promoting Greek tourism and history, as well as preserving Greek cultural heritage through conferences, lectures, and exhibitions, enhancing communication and collaboration with the Greek diaspora.

“We have committed to providing the necessary space in the Greek Centre building to host the EOT offices, offering two years of free use of the facilities, without financial burden, as a return for the government’s support to our community during the economic crisis. Additionally, we maintain open channels of communication with Greek bodies and actively cooperate to facilitate the relevant actions.”

The Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that “the aim is to staff the EOT office in Melbourne immediately as requested by the GCM so that its operations can commence as soon as possible, which is very important ahead of the tourist season.”

READ MORE: Opening of Greek National Tourism Office in Melbourne enters final stage

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

What will it take to save Greek language in Australia?

Italian Greeks first proposed the creation of International Greek Language Day on February 9to celebrate the rich history of the Greek language.

Biracial families keeping Greek culture and language alive for the next generation

One recurring question when discussing Australia’s Hellenic community is how the next generation will be affected. Will they hold onto the language?

Professor Giorgos Babiniotis: ‘The Greek language is not a tool; it is a value system’

International Greek Language Day, celebrated annually on February 9, pays homage to the influence of the Greek language on human civilisation.

An ode to the Greek language by a teacher’s daughter

My mother, the teacher, always reminded me when we left Istanbul, where I was born, to come to Australia, for the sake of our language.

Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe for Lime Pistachio Cake

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for lime pistachio cake with The Greek Herald. 

You May Also Like

Australian Hellenic Choir holds benefit concert for Sydney University’s Modern Greek Department

The Australian Hellenic Choir (AHC) performed at the Great Hall of the University of Sydney (USYD) on Sunday.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia sends message to mark 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has issued a message to mark the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Director discusses Australia’s Aboriginal history at Thessaloniki Film Festival

The award-winning director, Warwick Thornton has spoken upon the harsh history of Aboriginal people in Australia at a Thessaloniki festival.