Greek tourism holds steady despite Middle East war's impact

Greek National Tourism Organization Secretary General Andreas Fiorentinos held an online meeting with the heads of the 14 Overseas Offices of GNTO to discuss the impact of the war in the Middle East on Greece's tourism sector, the GNTO announced on Friday.

The meeting focused on international developments in the Middle East, how this affects tourism, trends in the tourism market as regards Greece, as well as the prospects for the country’s further development as a travel destination, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

At the center of the discussion were the war's repercussions in terms of increasing the price of energy and fuel, which directly affects the purchasing power of European travelers.

According to current data, the average European family appears more cautious in planning vacations, a trend linked to inflationary pressures. Particular reference was made to the rise in air ticket prices, an issue highlighted as critical by nearly all markets.

According to a relevant announcement, the general conclusion was that, despite the challenges, the outlook for Greece remains positive. There is growing interest in lesser-known Greek destinations, within the framework of a strategy to expand flight programs, with significant momentum recorded towards areas such as Halkidiki and the Ionian Islands.

In terms of air connectivity, five additional weekly flights to Crete will be added from June 6, while new programs are also being launched for Kefalonia and the Peloponnese.

Fiorentinos provided directions and instructions to the Overseas Offices on the monitoring of developments, strengthening communication with their respective markets, and further promoting Greece as a safe and attractive tourist destination.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, he stated:

"Greece continues to be a highly attractive destination, with steady demand and prospects for further growth, despite international challenges. Strengthening connectivity and targeted promotional actions are expected to play a decisive role in maintaining this momentum. I would like to warmly thank the heads and staff of the GNTO’s Overseas Offices for their cooperation and continuous efforts to effectively promote our country in international markets, enhance the competitiveness of the Greek tourism product, and attract high-quality visitors to more destinations across the country throughout the year".