Tourism Min.: Greece only EU country with an increase in international flights

In the previous month, international flights in the countries of the European Union have decreased by an average of 16% compared to the corresponding period of 2019, except for Greece, which shows an increase of 1%, compared to June 2019. This was emphasized by the Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias speaking to Open channel who attributed the results to collective work and proper preparation beforehand.

Tourism in Crete

The minister also referred to the great goal of extending the tourist season to twelve months a year, announcing that the next campaign for sustainable tourism – which is, as he pointed out, the new strong trend in the tourism product worldwide – will start from the mountains on the island of Crete .

“Crete has all the guarantees to become a twelve-month tourist destination,” said Mr. Kikilias, citing as an example the dynamic performance of tourist arrivals in the city of Heraklion, which in June exceeded half a million.

Alternative destinations

Mr. Kikilias referred to the comparative advantages of Greece’s alternative destinations and to the efforts that have been made, throughout the previous period, in order to “illuminate” as many currently “unpopular” destinations throughout Greece as possible.

“Tourism for All”

Regarding the new fully upgraded, digital “Tourism for All” program of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Kikilias pointed out that the electronic platform for submitting applications is expected to open on Saturday and reiterated that the 150 euro e-voucher will be available for use by beneficiaries until June 2023, for their stay in any hotel or accommodation, whenever they wish. At the same time, the Minister of Tourism also referred to the special program for northern Evia – with vouchers worth up to 150 euros – and Samos – up to 300 euros – in order to strategically support internal tourism and local entrepreneurship in these two regions, which were affected last year by the devastating fires and extreme natural phenomena.