More positive signs have emerged for tourism in Greece with the announcement that Athens recorded a 14 percent increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year.

The figures were presented at a recent joint press conference given by the city’s mayor, George Kaminis and Aegean Airlines Vice Chairman Eftichios Vassilakis. The airline executive said that last year, Athens broke its previous record for arrivals with around four and a half million visitors to the city. The number of overnight stays remained the same.

“Since 2012, tourist arrivals in Athens have increased by two million. Athens fulfills all the preconditions to become a unique destination year round. It is a safe European capital in times of instability and uncertainty, a city of democracy, open to the avant-garde and to dialogue; it is hospitable and peaceful,” said Vassilakis.

Kaminis also mentioned the significance of documenta 14 being jointly held between Athens and Kassel this year. The modern art exhibition has already helped attract more tourists to the city during the first 10 days of its operation. Aegean Airlines has also added a special route for the duration of documenta, connecting Athens and Kassel via a direct flight twice a week.

The news comes after the revelation in February that pre-bookings for Greek holidays among certain nationalities had soared compared to last year.