Greece leading the Eastern Mediterranean Tourism Observatory

The initiative, backed by the World Tourism Organization, brings together countries like Italy, Israel, Malta, Montenegro, Spain, Morocco, Croatia, Egypt, Algeria, Cyprus, Albania, and Lebanon. Bulgaria, Portugal, and Romania are also participating as observers.

The observatory will collect and analyze data to ensure sustainable tourism growth, protect natural and cultural heritage, and distribute opportunities to local communities. Greece's Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the region's sustainable development.

The World Tourism Organization has praised Greece's leadership and expressed its full support for the observatory. The countries involved have adopted a declaration supporting the initiative and its principles.