Mitsotakis: Parthenon sculptures still far from return

Speaking at the "Reimagine Tourism in Greece" conference, Mr. Mitsotakis described the negotiations as complicated.

"It’s no secret that we’ve had discussions to find an arrangement that would work for both sides. I don’t think we have made as much progress as I would like," he said.

 However, Mr. Mitsotakis noted that the British Museum's planned renovation could "present new opportunities."

He reiterated that the sculptures belong in the Acropolis Museum, framing the issue as one of reunification rather than restitution.

He suggested Greece could offer a partnership involving the exhibition of rare artifacts that have never left the country.

British author Victoria Hislop, a fellow panelist, said there is "a growing opinion among the British public that the sculptures should come home."

Ms. Hislop added that Egypt’s recent call for the return of the Rosetta Stone has increased scrutiny on the British Museum.

Turning to tourism, Mr. Mitsotakis said Greece must avoid the mistakes of other saturated destinations and diversify beyond established hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini.

"With all due respect to Mykonos and Santorini," he said, the industry needs "de-Mykonosification."

He highlighted Thessaloniki, Limnos, and the Zagori mountains as areas with high potential for year-round tourism.

"It’s easier for a mountain destination to become an all-year destination than an island," Mr. Mitsotakis noted.

Ms. Hislop agreed, urging broader promotion of inland cultural sites like Meteora. She suggested campaigns such as "Four seasons, four corners" to help foreign visitors explore beyond the coast.

Mr. Mitsotakis added that Athens now boasts one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in Europe. Ms. Hislop encouraged efforts to help tourists overcome language barriers to experience Greek music, theater, and opera, citing bouzoukia nightclubs and autumn trips to Kastoria as personal favorites.