Tourism to Greece will be triple the population as 35 million expected in 2020

Greece’s tourism minister Elena Kountoura expects tourist numbers to reach a record 35 million in 2020 and beyond that in the coming years.

"It is possible that by 2020, combined with the investments being made, we will reach 35 million," said Kountoura.

As a result, the Minister stressed that the Greek government will reconsider the overnight-stay tax for hotels and tourist accommodation, provided that the country's budgetary figures allow it.

"I was not content when the tax was imposed. I tried to protect the tourism sector as any Minister would do. We have raised the issue with both the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister and they have pledged to reconsider it, provided that the country's budgetary figures allow it," she said.

Commenting on the fact that the USA will be the honoured country at the 83rd Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), she said that pre-bookings for 2018 have already begun.

Kountoura underlined that 2017 had started on a positive note, adding that occupancy rates reached 90 percent, overnight stays had significantly increased and tourists from new, high-budget markets had visited Greece and boosted revenues.