Industry sectors

Thomas Cook expects to send 3 million tourists to Greece this year, up more than one third on two years ago, says the tour operator’s CEO Peter Fankhauser.

The fully renovated and extended Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni, is set to open for business in March 2019, with the seal of approval of the Four Seasons hotel brand.

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura met with sector professionals in the city of Chania, which in 2020 will host the 10th “Cultural Routes” advisory forum of the Council of Europe.

Strikes by air traffic controllers in France are behind a third of Europe’s flight delays, followed by strike activity in Greece, Italy and Germany, over the 2004-2016 period.

The dynamic growth of tourism is stimulating investment activity in Greece, according to Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development George Tziallas.

Aqua Vista Hotels is expanding its presence in the Cyclades islands by adding Naxos to its destinations, and a new property to its portfolio.

Amadeus and Aspida Travel have announced the renewal of their long partnership in the Greek market for the next six years.

“Il Cortile”, the newly established restaurant of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel on the island of Spetses, is opening its doors to welcome its guests for the summer season.

The airports of Athens, Kefalonia and Corfu recorded double-digit growth in passenger traffic in April, according to a report by ACI Europe.

The privatization of airports is not always the best option, according to IATA, which called on governments to place priority on balancing the interests of consumers, airlines and investors.

Severna Macedonja (North Macedonia) is unofficially the name of the former Yugoslav republic, after the two countries signed an agreement on June 17.

Aiming to make the beach of Glyfada accessible to all, the local authority has once again installed the special SEATRAC mobility ramp for people with disabilities.

The Divani Collection group invites Athenians and city visitors to cool off this summer in its swimming pools in Athens.

MSC Cruises recently inaugurated the latest addition to its fleet, the new flagship “MSC Seaview”, during a lavish ceremony in Genoa, Italy.

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled plans to turn its private island CocoCay in the Bahamas, to an exclusive destination for people of all ages.

The total passenger traffic at Greek ports last year recorded a 7.4 percent increase to some 35.78 million passengers, compared with 2016, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

During the last three years, tourist arrivals to Halkidiki, northern Greece, have been on a continuous upward trend, according to Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” recently celebrated the inauguration of its refurbished Hellenic Duty Free Shops in the Intra and Extra Schengen areas.

The historic Triton Hotel on the island of Kos, has re-opened to the public following extensive restoration works on damage caused by the 2017 earthquake.

Cyprus airline TUS Airways will begin using the reservations system of Sabre, a leading technology provider to the global travel industry, as of June 19.