Published on
September 23, 2025
Spain is further intensifying its efforts to develop its tourism ties with Greece with a view to increasing cooperation between the two Mediterranean countries. The recent reception held by the Embassy of Spain in Athens on September 17 was a step in the direction of fostering bilateral tourism cooperation. The event featured two of Spain’s leading destinations, Costa Blanca and Gran Canaria, and sought to present Greek tourism industry professionals with the abundant possibilities offered by these destinations, promoting tourism exchange and reciprocal cooperation.
Tourism Growth and Connectivity Between Spain and Greece
At the heart of the discussions was the mutual recognition of Spain and Greece’s tourism strengths. Both countries are renowned for their cultural heritage, rich history, and exceptional hospitality. Ambassador Jorge Domecq emphasized that closer tourism ties could benefit both countries, fostering more tourism arrivals and facilitating deeper cultural and business exchanges. Spain’s extensive high-speed rail network, which is the largest in Europe, was highlighted as a major asset in increasing connectivity between Spain’s regions and European destinations.
Spain’s air links with Greece are also expanding, with direct flights connecting Athens to major Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Mallorca, Bilbao, and Valencia. These enhanced direct connections are making it easier for Greek travelers to explore Spain, while also encouraging Spanish tourists to visit Greece.
Costa Blanca: A Diverse Mediterranean Destination
One of the main focuses of the event was Costa Blanca, a region in Alicante, Spain, known for its incredible coastal beauty, vibrant city life, and rich cultural offerings. José Francisco Mancebo, the CEO of Costa Blanca Tourism Board, presented the region under the theme “A Different Mediterranean”. Mancebo pointed to the newly launched direct flight between Athens and Alicante, which promises to reduce travel time and enhance tourism flow between Greece and Spain.
Costa Blanca’s stunning 244 kilometers of coastline, including 170 beaches, makes it a top destination for beach lovers, while its nine natural parks and vibrant cultural scenes offer a diverse tourism experience for all types of travelers. The region also boasts 17 Michelin-starred restaurants and will hold the title of Spain’s Gastronomic Capital in 2025, attracting culinary tourists from around the world.
In addition to the culinary scene, Benidorm, a popular seaside area in Costa Blanca, was awarded the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism for its sustainability initiatives. This recognition further solidifies Costa Blanca’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism and sustainable practices while providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Gran Canaria: A Year-Round Tourism Destination
The Gran Canaria presentation highlighted the island’s diverse landscapes and its appeal as a year-round tourism destination. Valentín González, from the Gran Canaria Tourist Board, described the island as a “Miniature Continent” due to its variety of natural environments, from volcanic peaks and sand dunes to lush forests and coastal cities. Gran Canaria is committed to providing accessible infrastructure for all travelers, whether they are seeking adventure tourism, beach vacations, or cultural exploration.
Gran Canaria is heavily invested in sustainable tourism, with initiatives to develop biosphere reserves and ensure eco-friendly infrastructure for visitors. The island’s tourism sector also targets both leisure and business travelers, providing diverse products and services to meet the demands of various tourism segments.
Strengthening Mediterranean Cooperation in Tourism
The foundation for Mediterranean cooperation in tourism is based on shared traditions of hospitality, gastronomy, and cultural heritage. Ambassador Jorge Domecq stressed that these shared values form the core of Spain’s collaboration with Greece, providing the perfect backdrop for further tourism partnerships. Both countries offer rich historical attractions, cultural festivals, and a deep commitment to enhancing the tourism experience for global visitors.
These efforts are aligned with both countries’ tourism goals, aiming to foster cultural exchange and promote their shared Mediterranean identity. The event underscored the importance of leveraging these commonalities to create strong, lasting partnerships that will drive tourism growth and help both countries attract even more international travelers.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Local Economy Growth
A key theme of the event was the emphasis on sustainability and how tourism can be a force for positive economic development. The tourism sectors of both Spain and Greece are focused on sustainable practices, from eco-tourism initiatives to supporting local communities and businesses. Spain’s investment in smart tourism and green initiatives in Costa Blanca and Gran Canaria serves as a model for sustainable tourism growth, benefiting both the environment and local economies.
Increased collaboration between Spain and Greece can further drive the regional economy, opening opportunities for local businesses to engage with the growing tourism market. The event demonstrated that with continued cross-border cooperation, both countries could amplify the economic impact of tourism, creating jobs and supporting local businesses, all while protecting the region’s natural resources.
Networking Opportunities and Future Partnerships
The networking reception that followed the presentations gave Greek and Spanish tourism professionals the opportunity to meet and discuss potential collaborations. By forming new partnerships and exploring ways to promote tourism together, both nations hope to develop innovative strategies to attract more travelers, particularly younger demographics, to visit their destinations. This exchange is expected to fuel cross-promotion efforts, ensuring that tourists from Greece are aware of Spain’s diverse tourism offerings, and vice versa.
Looking Ahead: Spain and Greece’s Future Tourism Collaboration
The Spain-Greece tourism cooperation is full of potential for future development. With low-cost direct flights, common sense of values regarding tourism, and the foundation of reliable tourism practices in place, both nations are poised to become even more attractive to tourists and gain more visitors. The Athens meeting was just one signal of the unified intent on both sides to create long-term tourism alliances and establish the Mediterranean as one of the best tourist destinations in the world.
Using their collective strengths, Spain and Greece will keep entrenching themselves as magnets for the diverse international traveler, promoting a rich combination of cultural diversity, eco-friendly tourism projects, and varied travel opportunities. The future for Mediterranean tourism is bright, and Spain and Greece are set to remain the region’s major tourism leaders.
