Turkey and Greece sign a protocol to boost tourism collaboration
In a significant move to enhance tourism activities between Turkey and Greece, a special visa system for Turkish citizens to visit ten specific Greek islands has been launched. This initiative, part of a broader agreement to strengthen tourism cooperation, was formalized during the 6th Joint Tourism Committee Meeting in Ankara in July 2025 [1].
The visa-on-arrival system, now extended to include Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Symi, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, and Patmos, offers a more convenient option for Turkish tourists, making spontaneous or short-term tourism to these popular destinations easier [1].
Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Nadir Alpaslan, highlighted the benefits of this expansion, stating that tens of thousands of Turkish visitors have already taken advantage of the program [2][3][4]. The impact on tourism is expected to be substantial.
Firstly, the expansion is expected to increase mutual tourism flows. In 2024, 1.2 million Turkish nationals traveled to Greece, while approximately 707,103 Greek tourists visited Turkey, reflecting strong cross-border tourism interest [3].
Secondly, the cooperation in rural and maritime tourism sectors is expected to support and diversify local economies on both sides. This collaboration aims to develop alternative tourism experiences tied to geographic and cultural assets [2][3][4].
Thirdly, expanding the visa-on-arrival scheme will ease travel procedures, encouraging more frequent and spontaneous trips, and potentially increasing tourism revenue for Greece [1][2].
Lastly, the agreement also includes improving transport networks to increase accessibility, opening new routes, and enhancing existing ones, which should further facilitate tourism exchanges and economic cooperation [2][4].
This visa-on-arrival initiative is a key catalyst for boosting bilateral tourism, fostering economic benefits, and deepening cultural connections between the two neighbouring countries [1][2][3][4]. Nadir Alpaslan, along with Greece's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Anna Karamanli, emphasized the need to diversify tourism products, proposing cooperation in rural and maritime tourism [3]. This collaboration is expected to benefit both countries, particularly during the peak summer season when both Turkey and Greece are renowned tourism destinations [3].
References: [1] Anadolu Agency. (2025, July 1). Greece expands visa-on-arrival system for Turkish citizens. Anadolu Agency. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/tourism/greece-expands-visa-on-arrival-system-for-turkish-citizens/2041344
[2] Anadolu Agency. (2025, July 1). Turkey, Greece to strengthen tourism cooperation. Anadolu Agency. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/tourism/turkey-greece-to-strengthen-tourism-cooperation/2041345
[3] Tourism Review. (2025, July 2). Turkey and Greece sign protocol to strengthen tourism cooperation. Tourism Review. Retrieved from https://www.tourismreview.com/news/turkey-and-greece-sign-protocol-to-strengthen-tourism-cooperation/
[4] Travel Pulse. (2025, July 2). Turkey and Greece agree to strengthen tourism cooperation. Travel Pulse. Retrieved from https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/turkey-and-greece-agree-to-strengthen-tourism-cooperation.html
- The special visa system, now available for ten Greek islands, could encourage more European culture exploration among Turkish travelers, as it facilitates spontaneous trips to popular destinations like Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Symi, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, and Patmos [1].
- The cultural exchange between Turkey and Greece is anticipated to deepen due to increased mutual tourism flows and collaboration in rural and maritime tourism, as supported by businesses and lifestyles tied to unique geographic and cultural assets [2][3][4].
- The expansion of this visa-on-arrival scheme could lead to significant economic benefits for both countries, as enhanced accessibility and reduced travel procedures may result in increased tourism revenue for Greece [1][2].
- Travelers from around the world might be inspired to visit Europe, specifically Turkey and Greece, as the strengthened tourism cooperation between these neighboring countries promises a rich cultural experience and diverse tourism products, particularly during the peak summer season [3].
