All you want is Greece

Statements by the Minister of Tourism Mr. Harry Theocharis regarding the opening of Greek Tourism in 2021 and the slogan „All you want is Greece” are hosted by an extensive report by the Reuters news agency. In the context of his interview, Mr. Theocharis stressed that „in Greece are welcome tourists who have been vaccinated, found negative in a recent test or have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies. We will welcome travelers who belong to these categories regardless of any agreements „.

In a Reuters report, journalist Carolina Tagari states that „2020 was the worst year for tourism in the world, according to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization. 7.4 million tourists traveled to Greece. In comparison, in 2019 the arrivals in our country had recorded a record, with 31.3 million incoming travelers „. Nevertheless, Reuters confirms that „the national economy, even under the extremely adverse conditions created by the pandemic, has benefited from tourism revenues of 4 billion euros.” The same article also states that „in 2020 tourists from Germany to Greece decreased by 70% and from Britain by 62%”.

„This year we will have a better year than last year,” the tourism minister told Reuters, adding that „at the moment the upward trend in bookings is not immediately visible, as melancholy and pessimism still prevail in the market. I am sure, however, that in the end my estimates for an increase in tourist traffic to Greece will prove to be correct. „

Asked about the increase in cases during the opening of tourism in the summer of 2020, Mr. Theocharis reiterated that „any criticism leveled at it was, of course, completely unfounded. The second wave of the pandemic „hit” Europe around the end of October – beginning of November 2020 and almost simultaneously hit Greece. „Tourism had nothing to do with the outbreak.”

Closing his interview with Reuters, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haris Theocharis, pointed out that „we are called to find the ideal balance between all factors and concerns, because we must take care of employees and people looking for work. However, I believe that this year we have more tools in our arsenal „.