The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is pleased to welcome the confirmation of the opening of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Australia Abroad Office, based at the GCM’s 15-storey Cultural Center. The establishment of the GNTO office in Australia is a highly significant development for the promotion of Greece as a tourist destination and the strengthening of ties between the two countries.

In a recent letter to the President of GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, the Secretary General of the GNTO, Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, states: “The process for the selection and placement of an executive, who will assume the position of Head of the Office is underway and is expected to be completed shortly”.

Mr Fiorentinos then states: “Undoubtedly, your provision of space in the Greek Center building in Melbourne to host the offices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Australia Abroad Office and the opportunity you offer for two years of free use of the facilities is crucial for the launch of its operation. Australia is a strategic market for Greek tourism as it presents opportunities for growth in traffic to Greece throughout the year, with multiple positive results for tourism and the Greek economy. The Greek Diaspora, with its long-standing strong presence in this friendly country, can make a dynamic contribution to the achievement of the national strategic objectives for tourism, supporting in many ways the promotion of our country”.

GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM said: “The presence of the GNTO in Melbourne will further strengthen the connection between our two countries and should lead to an increase in tourism between Australia and Greece. This additional tourism will hopefully also lead to other exchanges whether they are in culture or education. The greater the connections between our two countries, the more the opportunities for such exchanges.“

The letter which copies the Greek Minister and Deputy Ministers of Tourism concludes by expressing EOT’s appreciation of the extraordinary role of the GCM and of Bill Papastergiadis in developing the image of Greece and furthering the relationship between the two countries.

GCM Vice President, Ms. Anthea Sidiropoulou, said: “The opening of the GNTO office in Melbourne is an important step in the promotion of Greek tourism in Australia. As the GCM, we consider it our duty to support initiatives that enhance the promotion of Greece and help maintain the strong ties between the two countries. We are proud to host the GNTO office and look forward to the positive results of this collaboration“.

GCM remains committed to maintaining and strengthening Greek-Australian relations and enthusiastically welcomes this new chapter in the promotion of Greece in Australia.