![Delphi Forum – Giannis Retsos: We expect 7 daily flights from the USA to Athens, a number increased compared to 2019](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ρέτσος-scaled.jpg)
The president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) Mr. Giannis Retsos and journalist Elias Bellos, talked about the future of Greek tourism in the context of the 6th Economic Forum of Delphi, which is under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
Mr. Retsos stated that he is optimistic today during a “landmark” day for Greek tourism, as he characteristically stated. “The date is symbolic, it had to be set, but the flows are expected from the end of June onwards,” he clarified.
“There is great anxiety and hidden enthusiasm in the field of tourism that things will go well. Estimates in the industry have always been risky and even more so at this juncture. However, I am optimistic that we will achieve the goal of recovering part of the revenue compared to 2019. I think by the end of June we will have a better picture. But people are tired and will plan trips. ”
The most realistic scenario for Mr. Retsos is the goal of 40%, as long as there is no backtracking with the pandemic. “If nothing unpredictable happens, then we will have a good autumn,” he said.
Tourist traffic is expected to pick up from the end of June-beginning of July. “We have reservations from the United Kingdom and Germany, while at the moment we have mobility from France and Israel – although there with the recent conflicts we may have some developments. The positive suggestion of the US CDC has increased the demand from America, although the reservations are not guaranteed, as there are no cancellations. We expect 7 flights daily from the USA to Athens, an increase compared to 2019 “.
Russia remains a huge question mark as, while there is a great deal of will from Russian travelers, the Russian government is obstructing the resumption of travel, which is part of the overall Europe-Russia geopolitical game, Mr Retsos added.
Finally, he said that Greece remains an attractive destination for investment, stating that he is optimistic that Greek companies in the sector will “endure” and that there will be no anti-Hellenism in tourism that many fear. It is time for investments in the sector to proceed quickly, either in new tourism products or in the improvement of infrastructure, with money that will be given. “It is an opportunity that we must seize now in order to move on to the tourism of tomorrow,” he added.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Greece’s Labor Market Trends; Job Vacancies Surge](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ot_tourismos_ergazom-600x352.png)
Greece’s Labor Market Trends; Job Vacancies Surge
According to the latest data job openings soared to a record high of 70,826 positions in the first quarter of 2024, marking a remarkable 115.6% annual increase.
![Eurostat: Inflation in Greece and Euro area at 2.5% in June](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inflation-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Eurostat: Inflation in Greece and Euro area at 2.5% in June
Final figures on inflation for Greece came in slightly worse than the preliminary figure of 2.4%, released by ELSTAT at the start of July
![Greece Acts to Protect Consumers amid Soaring Electricity Prices](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/photo_2024-07-17_16-15-21-600x399.jpg)
Greece Acts to Protect Consumers amid Soaring Electricity Prices
Skylakakis outlined the government's initiatives but withheld specifics regarding the emergency tax and bill subsidies, which are slated for finalization by late July.
![Cruise Industry Opposes New EU Plan for Piraeus Port](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/396121953_881827319967534_9198009856198617419_n-1024x793-1024x793-1-1-600x465.jpg)
Cruise Industry Opposes New EU Plan for Piraeus Port
According to the Plan, cruise ship passengers will be transported by shuttle boats from Piraeus port to the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), so that they can then travel to Athens
![Greek State to Reopen 3.875% Bond on Wed.](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bonds-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Greek State to Reopen 3.875% Bond on Wed.
Bond of 3.875% is set to mature on March 12, 2029
![Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kalodio_elladas_cyprus_israil.jpeg)
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates