Minister: Greece Sees Longer Tourism Season, Tourists Coming to Athens Non-stop

Monastiraki Square in Athens. Photo source: visit Greece

The extension of the Greek tourism season has become a reality, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Greek radio station Real FM, the minister referred to the fact that travelers and tourists “have not stopped coming to Athens” throughout the year.

“So the extension of the tourism season has become a reality and this gives direct income to the Greek economy and above all to the Greek families, to small and medium-sized businesses, to the middle classes, to farmers, to some 230,000 shop owners and to restaurants/cafes,” the minister said.

According to the tourism minister, during a period of multiple crises, high costs and inflation, “tourism is the sector that supported and continues to support Greek households and small and medium-size enterprises”.

Prices may rise this year

Tourism Ministry Vassilis Kikilias. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

When asked about vacation costs on the Greek islands and if will be easy for the Greeks to take vacations, Kikilias cited data from the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) and said prices this year are expected to rise by around 15 percent.

However, he said, the point is to upgrade the services provided and offer the value of the product and unique tourist experiences.

The minister added that there are a number of beautiful island and mainland travel destinations throughout the country with very affordable prices for all types of travelers. He also reminded that the Greek government had channeled some 105 million euros through the “Tourism for All” subsidy program for domestic holidays that covers vacation costs for lower income Greeks.

“No other government has ever done this,” he said.