ATHENS – Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias met with the leadership of the Greece-France Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the French Senate, made up of the group’s Chairman Didier Marie and deputy chairmen Francoise Dumont and Laurence Harribey, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

The meeting was held at the tourism ministry and focused on the major potential for further strengthening of the already strong flow of tourists from France, the announcement said.

The French side praised Greece’s measures against the pandemic, saying they contributed to Greece becoming a safe destination for the French that visited it in the last two years. Kikilias reassured the French Senators that Greece will move on the same direction in 2022 as well.

Both sides agreed on the importance extending the tourist season in Greece, along with infrastracture development and strategic choices that effectively address contemporary challenges. In this context, Kikilias said the Recovery and Resilience Fund resources were a huge opportunity for strong and modern infrastructure that will support Greece’s ability to receive both more and higher quality tourists.

Kikilias also briefed the senators on the ministry’s plans regarding thematic tourism, such as city breaks, cruises, winter tourism and the promotion of the alternative destinations, with the French side underlining its support for the Greek actions and initiatives.