Mediterranean Tourism Strategy Advances with Greece–Spain Agreement

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Greece and Spain signed in Madrid the first Tourism Cooperation Memorandum in the history of the two countries, establishing a structured, multilayered framework that strengthens their role as leading Mediterranean destinations and as partners shaping Europe’s future tourism strategy. Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni and Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu formalized an agreement that elevates bilateral cooperation to a strategic level, with clear priorities in sustainability, innovation, investment and digital transformation.

The Memorandum sets out a comprehensive cooperation framework covering knowledge exchange, joint promotion, investment enhancement, digitalization, innovation, tourism education and professional training. It also foresees closer coordination within the UN World Tourism Organization and other international bodies, with a shared approach to sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean and to the green and digital transition of the sector under the emerging European tourism strategy.

The agreement comes at a time of strong tourism performance between the two countries. In 2025, arrivals from Spain to Greece increased by 23.8%, reaching 566.6 thousand travelers, while travel receipts rose to €296.3 million. The new partnership creates a stable foundation for joint initiatives, datadriven destination management, skills development and the promotion of a more resilient, sustainable and digitally transformed tourism model.

A Joint Greece–Spain Committee will be established to oversee implementation, ensure regular dialogue and identify new opportunities for cooperation. The Committee is expected to become the central mechanism connecting ministries, destinations and tourism enterprises across both countries.

Minister Olga Kefalogianni stated:

“Greece and Spain are two major Mediterranean destinations, united by a shared history, a shared culture and shared values. We view tourism not only as an economic activity, but also as a bridge between our peoples, our cultures and our societies. I am convinced that Greece and Spain have much to learn from each other and, above all, much to offer together to Europe and to global tourism. Because Greece and Spain do not only share the Mediterranean; they also share a common vision and a common ambition for the future of tourism. Today’s signing marks the beginning of a more structured cooperation, with an emphasis on concrete results and on strengthening collaboration between our Ministries, our destinations and our tourism enterprises.”

The signing of the Memorandum marks a significant step toward deeper bilateral relations and positions Greece and Spain as key actors in shaping a sustainable, innovative and futureready tourism model for the Mediterranean. It is a strategic investment in the next decade of European tourism policy, with clear benefits for both countries and for the wider region.