Greek Community of Melbourne Calls for Action on GNTO Office Delays

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has reiterated its readiness to host the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) in The Greek Centre, expressing concern over ongoing delays despite repeated commitments from the Greek government.

In a statement issued on 20 August 2025, the Board of Management of the GCM confirmed that the organisation remains committed to providing the GNTO with office space in its landmark Lonsdale Street building, offering not only facilities but also assistance with furnishing and a rent-free period.

“The Greek Community of Melbourne stands ready to confirm its commitment to hosting the GNTO in The Greek Centre. It confirms it is offering to help furnish the office and a rent-free period,” the Board said.

Delays Despite Repeated Commitments

The GNTO’s presence in Melbourne has been a long-discussed initiative, with successive Greek governments engaging in negotiations for over seven years. During the 2023 Antipodes Festival, former Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias publicly confirmed the government’s intention to establish the organisation’s Australian base within The Greek Centre.

However, progress has since stalled. In correspondence dated 26 February 2025, the GNTO informed the GCM that “the process for selecting and appointing the executive who will take up the position of Head of Mission is currently underway and is expected to be completed shortly.” The letter also acknowledged that the GCM’s commitment to host the office in The Greek Centre was “of great importance to commencement of operations.”

Despite these assurances, no office has yet been established.

A Symbolic and Strategic Presence

For the GCM, the arrival of the GNTO in Melbourne would represent more than a bureaucratic milestone. Melbourne is home to one of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece, and the establishment of a GNTO office would strengthen cultural, tourism, and business ties.

“The Greek government has committed on a number of occasions for the GNTO to set up its offices in The Greek Centre, both through correspondence and publicly,” the GCM noted in its latest statement.

The Board also highlighted that news of the agreement has been widely reported across both Greek and Greek-Australian media, underscoring the symbolic weight of the decision.

Frustration at Bureaucratic Delays

Yet, the organisation’s patience is wearing thin. “The GCM is concerned by this delay and highlights the systemic delays and bureaucratic difficulties of Greece,” the statement continued, noting that discussions with multiple governments have dragged on for more than seven years.

The Board urged a timely response from Athens to enable the partnership to move forward. “The GCM looks forward to a timely response from the GNTO that will allow this partnership to progress.”

The Road Ahead

The establishment of a GNTO office in Melbourne has long been seen as an opportunity to better connect Greece with the Greek diaspora in Australia while promoting tourism links at a time when Greece’s tourism sector continues to grow.

With the GCM providing both infrastructure and financial concessions, the initiative appears ready to proceed — if Athens can overcome its administrative hurdles.

For the Greek diaspora in Australia, the eventual opening of the GNTO office would not only signal recognition of their strong ties to the homeland but also strengthen Greece’s profile in one of its most important international communities.

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