Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed Greece’s long-standing position that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to the Acropolis Museum, describing the issue as “highly complex” and noting that progress in negotiations with the British Museum has been slower than hoped.
Speaking with renowned author and honorary PhD recipient Victoria Hislop at the Reimagine Tourism 2025 conference, organized by Kathimerini, Mitsotakis said: “It is a complex issue. We have held discussions with the British Museum seeking a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, we have not achieved the progress we would like. The Parthenon Marbles must return to the Acropolis Museum. It is a compelling case for reunification.”
Despite the challenges, the Prime Minister pointed out a positive shift in public opinion in the United Kingdom. “Public sentiment in Britain is gradually moving in our favor,” he said, expressing cautious optimism about the eventual return of the marbles.
Beyond cultural heritage, Mitsotakis outlined his vision for Greece’s tourism sector, aiming to position the country as a world-leading destination in terms of quality rather than just volume. “We need to embrace the future with optimism and not rest solely on our glorious past. Greece should be recognized as the number one destination for quality tourism worldwide,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of promoting underdeveloped tourist regions, particularly Western Greece, to counter the concentration of visitors in traditional hotspots. He warned against the “Mykonos-ization” phenomenon caused by cruise ship tourism and encouraged diversifying destinations for both domestic and international visitors.
“Visitors should not only come and enjoy Greece once—they should be encouraged to return, explore other destinations, and invest in local products and services,” Mitsotakis added. He also highlighted infrastructure development, including marinas and regional investments, as part of a strategy to spread economic benefits more evenly across the country.
Mitsotakis’ remarks underscore Greece’s dual focus on reclaiming cultural heritage and advancing sustainable tourism, balancing the preservation of historical treasures with modern economic growth.
