Next 4 Weeks Crucial for Greek Tourism, Says Minister

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis sees the next four weeks as “crucial” for Greek tourism.

Speaking on state radio ERT on Tuesday, Theoharis said the Tourism Ministry’s greatest concern at the moment is how the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic will evolve inside and outside borders. “Germany has already placed Spain in the red and quarantines those who return from there,” he said.

In any case, the minister said that tourist flows to Greece at the moment are moving satisfactorily. He did, however, avoid commenting on the levels of this year’s revenues compared to 2019.

In an interview to Greek daily Kathimerini on Tuesday, the minister said he was avoiding forecasts as everything depends on the evolution of a pandemic.

“It goes without saying that Greece is not alone and is necessarily influenced by decisions of other governments and by the development of other processes, which are beyond our control,” he said.

Referring to Greece’s tourist traffic so far and its prospects, Theoharis noted that arrivals in June reached between 40 to 50 percent of the number recorded for the same month in 2019. During the first weeks of July, the percentage rose to some 60 percent. At the moment, he said, arrivals have reached between 60 and 70 percent of 2019 levels.

Moreover, underlining once again the importance of protecting public health Theoharis urged residents to get vaccinated against Covid-19.