Greek Tourism Minister Fani Palli Petralia said on Wednesday that the government will promote outdoor and agricultural tourism in a bid to make better use of the rich agricultural resources in the country.

She said that a bill will soon be sent to the parliament for the creation of the Greek Outdoor and Agro-tourism Organization.

"Outdoor tourism is a cornerstone of balanced, sustainable development," Petralia said during a visit to the eastern port town of Volos.

"We are implementing a national policy for outdoor tourism and mild, alternative forms of tourism, based on sustainable development and the protection of local identity," the minister added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2006)