Greece Instils Sense of Safety in Travelers, Sees Bookings Rise

Greece has managed to gain traveler confidence and instill a sense of safety during Covid-19 and this reflected in the increase in pre-bookings for 2022, said Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias in an interview to OPEN TV.

Kikilias said pre-bookings for spring and summer were “soaring” and fall was looking good too thanks in large part to Greece’s effective management of the pandemic which has ensured holidays in safety over the last two years.

Kikilias went on to add that actions were being taken to further upgrade Greek tourism offerings with a main priority to accelerate the overhaul of the Omonia Square area in Athens, where significant investments have been made in the last months.

“Our tourism product will be strengthened in 2022,” said Kikilias, referring to investment plans for new hotels to go up on Omonia Square and in the surrounding areas. 

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias

Kikilias said the new plans will transform inner-city areas that have lost value over the years creating a further sense of safety, attracting visitors and boosting trade.

“The investments are huge, local and international. There are big groups from abroad, big investment companies or brands that want to buy Greek hotels, to cooperate with Greek hoteliers,” he said, adding that making upskilling and reskilling options available for tourism professionals goes hand in hand with sector improvements.