Published on
September 23, 2025
In 2025, Spain and Greece have significantly bolstered their tourism ties, creating a stronger framework for mutual growth and regional integration. This collaboration is underscored by a series of enhanced flight connections, new visa policies, and tourism initiatives designed to attract more visitors and improve overall travel experiences. These efforts aim not only to attract more Greek visitors to Spain but also to foster deeper cultural and business relations between the two Mediterranean nations.
Flight Partnerships: Connecting Spain and Greece
A major component of this tourism cooperation is the expanded air connectivity between the two countries. Spain and Greece have introduced several new travel routes to enhance accessibility and ease of movement for tourists. One of the key developments is the launch of a new direct flight route between Athens and Alicante, a region in Spain renowned for its picturesque coastline and Mediterranean lifestyle. This direct flight, combined with high-speed train connections from Alicante to Madrid in just two hours, has made Costa Blanca more accessible, drawing attention to the region’s vast tourism potential.
In addition to new routes, Greece has also entered into codeshare agreements with Emirates Airline, collaborating with Greek carrier Aegean Airlines. This partnership aims to improve year-round access to popular Greek destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Increased flight frequencies between Spain and Greece have further boosted tourism, especially with direct flights between Barcelona and Thessaloniki, enhancing travel options for visitors to regions like Halkidiki.
Visa Cooperation: Streamlining Travel for Tourists
As members of the Schengen Area, Spain and Greece share a unified visa policy that simplifies the travel process for visitors. The Schengen Visa allows travelers to visit both countries under a single visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This unified policy ensures smooth travel for tourists visiting Spain and Greece, streamlining the visa application process and eliminating unnecessary paperwork.
Looking to the future, Spain and Greece are also preparing for the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in late 2026. This system will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain authorization before visiting either Spain or Greece. The move is expected to enhance security while maintaining ease of travel for tourists.
Tourism Initiatives: A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Spain and Greece are equally committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices, which are vital in preserving their rich cultural and natural heritage. In June 2025, both nations signed a new tourism memorandum that aims to strengthen long-term cooperation through global marketing, innovation, and regional travel integration. This agreement is designed to align both countries’ tourism industries, promoting environmentally conscious tourism that supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The EU’s Cohesion Policy for 2021–2027 has allocated over €2 billion to Mediterranean regions, including Greece and Spain, to promote sustainable tourism. The funds will support 17 Interreg programs that aim to improve infrastructure, encourage green practices, and foster a sustainable tourism environment across the Mediterranean region. Spain’s Costa Blanca, for example, is leading the way with its sustainability initiatives in Benidorm, which was named the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.
Broader Regional Cooperation: Strengthening Mediterranean Ties
In addition to bilateral efforts, Spain and Greece are part of a broader regional movement aimed at enhancing tourism across the Mediterranean. Greece has partnered with other Mediterranean countries, including Turkey, the UK, Portugal, and France, in a regional effort to break tourism records in 2025. The goal is to surpass past achievements and set new benchmarks for global tourism, driving economic growth and fostering deeper cultural exchange between nations.
Spain’s Ambassador to Greece, Jorge Domecq, emphasized the shared cultural and hospitality traditions that bind these nations together. He noted that the Mediterranean cooperation in tourism is built on these shared values, creating a strong foundation for future collaboration. The tourism initiatives between Spain and Greece will not only benefit their economies but will also contribute to the region’s broader efforts to promote cultural exchange and sustainable development.
Other Countries Strengthening Tourism Cooperation in 2025
Spain and Greece are not the only nations embracing tourism cooperation in 2025. Several other countries have also signed agreements and initiatives aimed at fostering bilateral tourism growth and strengthening international ties.
Israel and Tajikistan
Israel and Tajikistan signed a bilateral tourism agreement in 2025, marking their first official tourism cooperation. This collaboration focuses on enhancing travel opportunities and promoting mutual tourism flows between the two countries. The agreement is expected to boost tourism to Tajikistan, a country rich in natural beauty and history, while also attracting more Israeli visitors to explore Central Asia.
Türkiye and Greece
In July 2025, Türkiye and Greece signed a protocol aimed at strengthening their tourism cooperation. This agreement focuses on niche tourism areas such as rural tourism and maritime tourism, allowing both countries to capitalize on these growing markets. The cooperation is designed to boost mutual tourist flows, benefiting both nations by diversifying their tourism offerings.
Canada and Greece
Canada and Greece have committed to enhancing their tourism cooperation in 2025. Both countries agreed to exchange views on tourism strategies, including market analysis and tourism product development. The collaboration will help inform approaches to increasing tourism flows between the two nations, with a particular focus on cultural exchange and sustainable travel.
Maldives and India
India and the Maldives signed a series of agreements during a two-day visit in 2025. These agreements cover multiple sectors, including fisheries, health, and tourism. The tourism agreement is expected to boost travel between the two countries, capitalizing on India’s growing middle class and the Maldives’ appeal as a luxury destination.
China and Malaysia
In April 2025, China and Malaysia signed a bilateral agreement granting mutual visa exemptions for holders of ordinary and official passports. This agreement is designed to facilitate travel and promote tourism between the two nations, which share strong economic and cultural ties.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Tourism Cooperation
The tourism cooperation between Spain and Greece in 2025 reflects a broader trend of increasing collaboration between nations to promote sustainable tourism and enhance travel accessibility. Through enhanced flight partnerships, visa cooperation, and a shared commitment to sustainable practices, these two countries are setting the stage for a thriving tourism future. Additionally, Spain and Greece’s efforts serve as a model for other nations looking to strengthen their tourism ties, demonstrating how global cooperation can contribute to cultural exchange and economic growth.
As more countries like Israel, Türkiye, and Canada follow suit, the world will see even greater opportunities for global travel, fostering stronger international relationships and offering travelers new experiences across the globe.
