Record Number of American Tourists Coming to Greece this Summer, Says US Ambassador

US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis and Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias at the Tourism Ministry in Athens.

The surge in demand for airline tickets from the United States to Greece this summer is remarkable, America’s new Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis said on Friday.

Making statements to the press after a meeting with Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Tsunis said he is keen on taking concrete initiatives to further boost the existing strong ties between the two countries in the field of tourism.

Greece is getting ready to welcome a record number of travelers from the US.

Speaking to the media, Minister Kikilias said that over 500,000 travelers from the largest American airports (New York, Newark, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington Dulles) are expected to arrive in Greece on direct flights alone this tourism season.

Greece currently welcomes 9 direct daily flights from the US, a number that corresponds to 63 flights per week.

The minister also highlighted that the number of half a million travelers does not include arrivals to Greece on transit flights, indicating that the number of American tourists this summer will reach an impressive level.

“This is a huge success,” he said, adding that Greece this year has developed a strategic partnership and alliance with the US.

“We warmly thank the Ambassador of the United States for the American investments made in our country, especially in the tourism sector,” Kikilias said.

The minister and Ambassador Tsunis on Friday also discussed ways for Greece to extend its tourism season and introduce new destinations to Americans with the addition of more direct flights from the US.

Great to see my friend Minister @Vkikilias. I thanked him for his leadership as we celebrate the impressive rebound of the tourism sector & record number of American tourists coming to Greece this summer to experience the magic of this beautiful country. #YouWillWantToStayForever pic.twitter.com/l0GFZYpgt2

— George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassadorGR) June 10, 2022

On his part, the American ambassador spoke with very warm words about the Greek tourism industry’s “excellent” level of services.

“The Greeks are the most hospitable people in the world. I have experienced it first hand and can guarantee it,” he said, highlighting the fact that through tourism, the world can discover Greece’s  unique gastronomy.

“Greece is also an ideal place for business and also for work. I encourage everyone to visit Greece, not only during the summer, but also during the other months of the year,” he said.

Appointed in March by the Biden Administration, Tsunis replaced outgoing Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt. He officially took his post in early May. Ambassador Tsunis is a Greek-American son of immigrants to the United States, with deep roots in the village of Platanos in the beautiful mountainous region of Nafpaktia.