Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilas has commented on the recently released Eurostat figures showing a notable increase of foreign arrivals to Greece since 2019, especially compared to other European countries (which have an average less 16% arrivals) by saying: “this did not happen by chance. It is the result of a collective effort and ongoing, proper planning that has been consistently carried out since last year.”
Speaking to the press while on a three-day visit to Crete’s four prefectures, the minister said that the island will serve as the starting point of the government’s upcoming plans to make Greece a year-round destination for tourists.
“In June, arrivals in Heraklion (the Cretan capital) reached 597,800, with arrivals from Germany recording an increase of 14.16%, from the UK an increase of 14.17% and from Austria an increase of 26% compared to June 2019 figures. Based on the latest figures, 16,000 travellers arrive here every day, a number that increases to 27,000 during the weekend,” the minister said.
Kikilias also referred to the increased popularity and many advantages of the country’s alternative destinations, underlining that these formerly lesser-known or less popular destinations are this year seeinng an influx of foreign and domestic tourism due to the significant and admirable efforts that have been made to prepare and promote them in advance of the summer season.
“Greece has become a strong brand because we worked hard throughout autumn and winter. And the dividends from our tourism product is, right at this moment, being repaid to the average Greek family,” he said.
The minister also spoke about the renewal of the Ministry of Tourism’s new, fully upgraded, digital “Tourism for All” program, an annual scheme designed for the subsidization of holidays for lower-income Greeks and their families, Kikilias noted that the online platform for submitting applications is expected to reopen on Saturday, July 16 and that an e-voucher worth 150 euros will be available for use by beneficiaries until June 2023, for their stay at any hotel or accommodation, whenever they wish.
The Tourism Minister also referred to a special program for northern Evia – with vouchers of up to 150 euros – and Samos – with vouchers of up to 300 euros- aimed at strategically supporting domestic tourism and local entrepreneurship in these two islands, both of which were affected last year by devastating fires.
Source: moneyreview.gr.
