GNTO Announced Their Immediate Opening

GNTO Announced Their Immediate Opening

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) welcomed the announcement by the Ministry of Tourism regarding the immediate operation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) office at the Greek Centre in Melbourne. Specifically, on 21 May, the GNTO announced the hiring to fill the position of Head of the GNTO office in Australia, based in Melbourne.

Over the past nine years, the GCM has engaged in a series of communications with the Greek Government, pertinent ministries, and relevant authorities to advocate for the establishment of a GNTO office in Melbourne.

Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the GCM, expressed his gratification for this significant initiative, emphasizing its importance for strengthening the ties not only between Greece and Australia, but also between Greece and the diaspora. " The Ministry of Tourism serves as another vital bridge connecting the Greek diaspora in Australia with the motherland. The GNTO office in Melbourne will become a focal point for promoting Greek tourism and history, as well as preserving Greek cultural heritage through conferences, lectures, and exhibitions, thereby enhancing communication and cooperation with expatriate Greeks."

Mr. Papastergiadis continued, "We are committed to providing the necessary space in the Greek Centre building to accommodate the offices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, offering two years rental-free use of the facilities, in return for the government's support to our community in times of economic crisis. In addition, we maintain open channels of communication with the Greek authorities and actively cooperate to facilitate the relevant actions."

“Enjoynews.gr”, in response to Mr. Papastergiadis's statement, contacted the Ministry of Tourism and was informed that the process is proceeding with urgency, temporarily bypassing any time-consuming procedures. The Ministry of Tourism conveyed to journalist Manos Stavrianos, "The aim is to staff the GNTO office in Melbourne immediately, as requested by the GCM, to ensure it starts operating as soon as possible, which is particularly crucial ahead of the tourist season."

Mr. Papastergiadis, on behalf of the GCM, expressed gratitude to Mr. Manos Stavrianos and his colleagues at “Enjoynews.gr” for their interest the showed, as well as their initiative to investigate and contact the Ministry of Tourism on this matter.

Attached below is the hiring announcement for the position of Head of the GNTO Australia Overseas Service, as published on the official website of the GNTO.