Despite geopolitical events that have affected the travel and tourism industries in the region, Greece hopes that 2016 will be the year it breaks the record 26 million tourists and 12 billion euros in revenue it received in 2015, said the country’s Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura during an interview with Greek media.
"The figures for international airline arrivals at Athens airport are constantly touching new highs since the start of the year, with the first six months ending with an increase of 4.4 per cent," she noted, with regional airports experiencing increased traffic as well.
Kountoura’s optimism flows from increased numbers of Russian tourists and from the recent announcement by British travel agencies union that bookings by UK tourists to Greece had increased by 5 per cent this season.
The minister also emphasised her commitment to seeking alternative tourism paths noting all year round options, such as cultural, religious and sports tourism amongst others.
