Olga Kefaloyianni

The former artistic director of the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, George-Emmanuel Lazaridis, says he was forced to step down from his post in November last year by Culture Minister Myrsini Zorba.

In an open letter, the prominent pianist, who served in the post for eight years, said Zorba asked him to resign in a phone call.

Four men who were arrested on the Egnatia Highway in northern Greece on Wednesday with two 22-centimeter knives, an electroshock weapon, 18 firecrackers, a container of gasoline and 20 empty glass bottles in the car they were traveling in, belong to a far-right group, Citizens' Protection Minister Nikos Toskas said on Thursday. 

In the wake of reports that Greece's Culture Ministry has raised fresh obstacles to Chinese group Cosco's plans to develop the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP), the country's conservative opposition on Wednesday attacked the leftist-led government saying that its "ideological obsessions" were putting off foreign investors.

A number of top New Democracy officials met on Wednesday in the absence of conservative leader Antonis Samaras, who was in Brussels, to discuss the party?s future, Kathimerini understands.

The Ancient Amphipolis tomb on Kasta Hill in northeastern Greece will most certainly attract a large number of tourists from across the world, Tourism Minister Olga Kefaloyianni said on Thursday.

By Stathis Kousounis

Tourism in Greece is a vital growth factor for the country as it bolsters business activity and creates jobs, Tourism Development Minister Olga Kefaloyianni told Bloomberg TV on the second day of the World Travel Market (WTM), the industry’s biggest annual fair held in London.

Over 800 travel bloggers and writers were expected to meet in Athens on Thursday, the first day of the TBEX Europe 2014 conference, an annual gathering of travel industry professionals.

Besides bloggers, the event brings together new media content creators and social media experts from 50 countries.

By Stathis Kousounis

Tourism Minister Olga Kefaloyianni said on Monday that the government is trying to facilitate the development of large tourist resorts that will offer high-quality infrastructure such as golf courses, marinas, spas, conference centers and holiday accommodation.

The coalition is seeking to put the controversial departure of tax chief Haris Theoharis behind it as it moves into the final straight before a cabinet reshuffle that is expected to take place on Monday.

After two years of talks, Greek and Australian officials have agreed on a “work and holiday” visa exchange scheme that would grant 500 young people a one-year work permit as part of a pilot program aimed at boosting tourism and bilateral relations.