Greece is set to launch a unified electronic ticketing platform called Hellenic Heritage, enabling visitors to book entry to 108 archaeological sites and museums across the country through a single digital system. The platform is expected to become fully operational by April 2026.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in Greece’s digital transformation of cultural services. It aims to streamline visitor access, improve crowd management at popular locations, enhance security, and provide real-time data on visitor flows to better protect and promote the nation’s rich heritage.
The growth of e-ticketing in Greece has been remarkable. In 2019, only 11 sites offered electronic tickets, generating about 240,000 tickets and 7 million euros in revenue annually. By 2025, this had expanded dramatically to 3 million tickets sold per year and revenues reaching 72 million euros.
The new system builds on this progress by introducing mobile QR code tickets, time-slot reservations to reduce queues and congestion, and improved overall site management.
Funded through Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Facility under the EU’s NextGenerationEU program, the Hellenic Heritage platform goes beyond basic ticketing. It introduces a variety of passes and services:
- Regional, thematic, and group passes (including options for tourism professionals), with future additions combining site access with transportation.
- Hellenic Heritage Members: A lifetime membership via a digital culture card, offering free entry to select venues, discounts, and exclusive events.
- Hellenic Heritage Experiences: Curated options like private guided tours outside regular hours.
- Digital Experiences: AR applications and virtual tours for sites such as the Ancient Agora of Athens, Delos, the Asklepion of Kos, the Rotunda of Thessaloniki, and Sounion.
- Specialized programs for tourism professionals and schools (including a School Pass integrated with the Greek education system).
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that the project supports the “economy of experiences” and helps build a strong, unique identity for Greek cultural heritage. “It leverages technology to support the protection, promotion, and sustainable development of Greece’s cultural heritage,” she stated during the platform’s presentation.
The phased rollout will continue nationwide, making it easier for tourists, educators, and locals to explore Greece’s extraordinary archaeological and museum network through a modern, unified digital gateway.