Lingering Debt Talks Keep Greece Tourism Officials Alert

Greek tourism officials are expressing concerns that constantly stalled bailout negotiations are bound to take a toll on the sector particularly now, the beginning of the summer booking season.

“Reservations for 2017 are demonstrating a dynamic increase as are arrivals and revenue. Dangers: failed deal, Turkey, the refugee crisis and over-taxation,” said Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Andreas Andreadis from his Twitter account.

Sector professionals are saying that the Greek government’s “back and forth” with regard to the bailout deal is creating fears for both tourism professionals as well as vacationers seeking to find a safe summer holiday destination.

“Time is passing and opportunities are being missed, markets are remaining out of the game and the dangers are increasing. It is to the benefit of the country to reach an agreement, even if not the best, now,” Andreadis urged.

Tourism professionals are ringing alarm bells saying that further delays in the negotiation process will inevitably lead to instability and thus keep tourists at bay as was the case in 2015.