Photocap: Helo, Greece

The Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic met with industry stakeholders last month to discuss ways in which it could assist agents to promote and sell Greece. The primary concern for agents was the difficulties their clients faced when applying for a Schengen visa. Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic, Maria Diamantopoulou, said while Greece was bound by European Union regulations, the Consulate would look into suggestions for alleviating the application process, such as the possibility of making use of VFS Global’s offices in Pretoria. Last year the Consulate in South Africa issued around 11 000 visas. Pictured at the event is the ambassador (centre) with the Greek Consul for Johannesburg, Theodoros Michalopoulos (left) and md of Cruises International, George Argyropoulos (right).