Covid-19

Greece’s airports saw activity gather momentum in 2021 with 12-month passenger traffic up by 80.9% compared to the same period in 2020.

Hotel occupancy levels at winter destinations in Greece reached 60% during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

International travel associations are warning that travel measures aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 are not working.

From February 11, travelers wishing to visit England and Scotland will no longer have to take Covid-19 tests prior to travel if they have completed a full cycle of vaccination.

Data for holidays in Greece are right now showing a significant increase in bookings for the summer of 2022, says Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

The majority of Greek hoteliers expect their turnover to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to a survey by the Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP).

The Greek authorities have extended all Covid-19 aviation directives that concern flights and arrivals to Greece from abroad.

Cruise activity picked up last year with 1,957 cruise ships bringing 1.32 million passengers to Greece, according to data by the Hellenic Ports Association.

Safety is the top priority for Greek authorities who are aiming to kick off the tourism season earlier this year imposing rigorous Covid-19 health protocols.

Greek tourism revenues in November exceeded 2020 figures and came very close to pre-Covid-19 levels, according to the Bank of Greece.

Cruise ship flow management and berth allocation in Greece topped the agenda of talks between Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis.

Although global air passenger traffic last year rose from a 60% drop seen in 2020, it still remains below pre-Covid levels, according to ICAO.

The Peloponnese Region’s tourism destinations and thematic travel products will be promoted in 2022 through a new 1.95-million-euro program.

TUI expects to double the number of its customers to Greece in 2022 compared to last year, according to the tour operator’s CEO, Fritz Joussen.

The Greek tourism and shipping ministries are preparing a plan with measures aimed at safeguarding local tourism brands.

Tourism professionals are expecting international arrivals to return to pre-Covid-19 levels only in 2024 or later, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

The Greek Health Ministry’s committee of experts for Covid-19 has decided to extend the measures against the spread of the coronavirus for another week.

Air traffic in Europe is on a downward trend hit hard by the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, according to Eurocontrol.

The Thessaloniki Convention Bureau (TCB) will hold its annual ‘Connect Tourism & Travel Event’ live during May 8-10.

Greece’s three-star hotels have been included in a new development law that provides support and tools for upgrade and modernization activities.