‘We’ll do much better’: Greek PM sees tourism rebound in summer

·

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has forecast a strong rebound in tourism this summer, saying speedy vaccination drives in key markets including Britain and Israel will pave the way for tourists to return despite the current industry gloom.

Tourism, which accounts for about 20% of the Greek economy and employs one in five workers, collapsed last year as the coronavirus pandemic sent its revenues slumping to 4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) from 18 billion in 2019.

Since last summer, when the pandemic subsided across Europe, the virus has surged, triggering renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions and pushing the region’s death toll above 750,000.

“I am a realist but I am also cautiously optimistic that we will do much better than last year,” Mitsotakis told Reuters.

“Last year we were at 20-25% of what we would have gotten in a regular year. If we were to get 50% of what a regular year would look like, it’s still going to be 100% better than last year.”

Greece has created its own standard vaccination certificate and is pushing for a European Union-wide certification system, which could be electronic. There is still an EU debate on whether certificates should be required for cross-border travel.

Mitsotakis said certificates would not be mandatory for visitors this summer but he noted that Britain and Israel were leading the way in the speed of their vaccination rollouts.

“Essentially we are dependent on the pace of vaccination in our main markets,” he said.

“For example, Israel is a very important market for Greece and if 70% of the Israeli population is vaccinated by the end of March, it makes it easier to gradually start opening up to Israelis who have a real interest in travelling.”

Sourced By: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

80-year-old sole resident of Kinaros island gifted donkey as a companion

The sole resident of Greece's remote Kinaros island - 80-year-old Mrs Rinio - recently received an unexpected gift in the form of a donkey.

Thanasi Kokkinakis upset gives Australia shock Davis Cup win over US

A nail-biting win for Thanasi Kokkinakis has led Australia into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in Spain.

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

You May Also Like

UN called to investigate Greek exploration of Lebanon’s territorial waters

Lebanon has called upon the UN to investigate the reasons behind a Greek vessel exploring Lebanese waters for over seven hours on behalf of the Israel army.

Archie Tsirimokos cements himself as one of Canberra’s leading commercial lawyers

Archie Tsirimokos decided to make Canberra his home and is now one of the region's leading commercial lawyers.

World leaders react to Greece’s national election results

Many politicians and leaders abroad commented on Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ and New Democracy win in Greece's national elections.