Greece has solidified its position as a top European tourist destination, recording over 50 million overnight stays at tourist accommodations in the first six months of 2024.
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Greece ranked third in the EU for ordering non-EU citizens to leave its territory in Q2 2024, with 6,555 individuals affected. Across the EU, 96,115 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave, with a notable decrease compared to earlier in the year. Returns to third countries also dropped slightly, though they rose compared to the same period in 2023.
With a potential full-scale war looming in Lebanon, Western nations are scrambling to prepare evacuation plans for their citizens, eyeing Cyprus and Turkey as potential safe havens. As ceasefire talks falter and Israel intensifies strikes on Beirut, concerns are mounting over the safety of tens of thousands of foreigners in Lebanon.
German police have arrested a 32-year-old suspect wanted in connection with a shooting at a beach bar in Halkidiki, Greece in August. The suspect is believed to have played a key role in the incident and fled to Germany after the shooting. Greek authorities issued a European arrest warrant and the suspect is awaiting extradition to Greece.
Greece experienced a surge in tourism during the first half of 2024, welcoming nearly 18 million international visitors, according to the Bank of Greece. Despite this increase, the average spending per trip declined, falling from €618.9 to €583.9. Notably, while arrivals from major markets like Germany and the UK rose, tourist spending saw a significant drop, particularly in July, highlighting a complex trend in the country’s travel industry.
President Erdoğan met with Chancellor Scholz to discuss bilateral relations, Israel's attacks on Gaza, Türkiye's EU membership process, and regional issues. Erdoğan emphasized the need to revitalize Türkiye-EU relations and condemned Israel's violence against Palestinians, stating that Western support emboldens Israel's actions.
Ouzo dominated Greek spirits exports in the first half of 2024, maintaining its leading position with Germany as the primary export market. Meanwhile, tsipouro/tsikoudia exports show strong growth, establishing themselves as a promising category. Overall, the Greek spirits industry demonstrates resilience and significant export growth, driven by the high quality and increasing global demand for these traditional beverages.
The European Union's long-awaited Entry-Exit System (EES) is facing yet another delay, as key member states raise concerns about its readiness. The system, designed to streamline border security for non-EU travelers through fingerprinting and facial recognition checks, was initially scheduled to go live in November. However, France, Germany, and the Netherlands have expressed concerns about potential technical challenges, resource constraints, and the impact on tourism and trade.
In response to heightened security concerns, Germany has reinstated checks at its land borders, causing significant congestion at crossings like the one between Slubice, Poland, and Frankfurt, Germany. The move has disrupted daily commutes and freight transport, sparking criticism from Polish officials and highlighting potential economic impacts.
Germany’s recent move to effectively dismantle parts of the Schengen Agreement and repatriate migrants and…
Greece is bolstering its border security along the Evros River, the natural border with Turkey, in a move signaling heightened vigilance rather than an immediate threat. This decision follows Germany's reimplementation of border controls, highlighting a broader trend of unease within the European Union.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticizes Germany's decision to implement border controls, arguing that it could undermine the Schengen Area and highlighting concerns about Germany's welfare policies potentially attracting more migrants. The discussion highlights ongoing EU challenges in managing migration and asylum policies.
Alonnisos has been recognised as one of the top 10 unspoiled "pearls" of the Mediterranean by the Italian website thewom.it. Known for its pristine coastline and protected marine park, the island offers visitors unique diving experiences and rare wildlife. Alonnisos continues to attract international travellers seeking sustainable tourism and authentic, nature-based vacations.
The 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) kicks off this Saturday with a high-profile inauguration by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck. The fair, which will run from September 7-15, promises an extraordinary display featuring 500 drones in Greece's largest drone light show.
Greek tourism revenue soared by 12.2% in the first half of 2024, reaching €6.921 billion, according to the Bank of Greece. Driven by a 15.5% increase in inbound tourists, the rise in receipts was led by Germany, the UK, and the US. Notably, June alone saw a 7.7% revenue increase, with British tourists contributing significantly. However, average spending per trip fell, and receipts from Russia experienced a dramatic decline.
Greek authorities have issued a red alert and intensified security measures across the country following a deadly terrorist attack in Solingen, Germany. The Greek Police are focusing on safeguarding key locations, particularly those connected to Israeli interests, as concerns rise over potential threats. This comes after the suspected attacker, a 26-year-old Syrian national, surrendered to German authorities.
Artists from five countries will gather at Lake Plastira from September 15 to October 10, 2024, for the first International Sculpture Symposium at the Outdoor Museum of Contemporary Art. This event, funded by the German government, will showcase sculptures from Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Canada, contributing to the museum's growth as an innovative hub for contemporary art.
A terror attack at the "Festival of Diversity" in Solingen, Germany, resulted in three deaths and four serious injuries when a knifeman randomly targeted festivalgoers. The attacker, who remains at large, struck around 9:45 p.m., causing chaos and prompting a large-scale manhunt. Authorities have warned of ongoing danger as the suspect is still on the run.
In 2023, Greece recorded one of the lowest employment rates for recent graduates in the EU, with only 72.3% securing jobs. This figure is well below the EU average of 83.5%, highlighting ongoing challenges in the Greek labor market for young professionals.
The 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) will run from September 7 to 15 at the Exhibition & Congress Centre (HELEXPO) in Thessaloniki, with some 27 foreign countries to be represented by exhibitors, 9 more than in 2023.