Greek Tourism Minister Applauds Olympic-Aegean Merger

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni

“Τhe European Commission’s announcement, which opens the way for the acquisition of Olympic Air by Aegean Airlines, is a positive development for the country’s fields of aviation and tourism,” Greek Tourism Olga Kefalogianni said on 9 October when commenting on the merger of the two Greek airlines and the effects it will have on Greek tourism.

The European Commission had earlier announced its decision to allow the acquisition of Olympic Air by Aegean Airlines claiming that the merger of the two Greek carriers would have no additional negative effect on competition.

According to Mrs. Kefalogianni, Olympic Air’s buyout by Aegean Airlines creates the conditions for the launch of a “powerful Greek carrier,” something very significant for Greek tourism.

“Greece’s distance from important visitor source markets, but also the geographical specificity of the country with many large and small islands, makes air travel crucial for Greek tourism,” she said.

The tourism minister added that such developments serve the Tourism Ministry’s target of improving the competitiveness of the Greek tourism product.