“Our government has proven that it works with a plan for every productive sector of the Greek economy. This year, this professional work is particularly visible in the tourism sector,” emphasized the government representative Yiannis Oikonomou, in his introductory statement during the briefing for political editors.
“The income from Tourism enables the state to support more the society that is winterized by the energy and other crises and also to have the valuable reserves that we need in view of the coming winter. At the same time the income from Tourism goes directly to the everyday economy and directly boost citizens’ income,” he added.
In detail, he said that the tourist movement in our country this year records strong dynamics as tourist flows exceed even the most optimistic initial forecasts. “Arrivals from abroad at the country’s airports reached 3,481,000 in June, registering a large increase compared to last year’s rate, there were approximately 1,980,000 arrivals, while they are marginally increased compared to June 2019 when we had 3,478,000 arrivals approx”.
He also mentioned as characteristic the fact that over 15,000 tourists visit the Acropolis every day, while this week it is estimated that visitors to Athens exceeded 1 million. “Tourism is also at high levels in other regions of the country, in the Central and Western Macedonia as the replacement of Russian and Ukrainian travelers by visitors from Balkan countries was able to balance the losses we had from these tourists,” he said.
Mr. Economou pointed out that a large increase in arrivals reaching 280% is also observed in the port of Thessaloniki as the cruise now participates in this part. “The goal now is to extend the tourist season and also to attract Northern European retirees in November, December and January,” emphasized Mr. Economou.
At this point, he mentioned that the government has implemented a series of programs that are also aimed at the interior and are mainly intended to help those of our fellow citizens who are affected by the overlapping crises and are having difficulty in their daily lives. The purpose is for them to take a few days of vacation, at the same time giving special emphasis to areas of the country that have been affected by natural disasters, he added. In particular, he referred to the social tourism program of the former OAED with a budget of 35 million euros and which runs from August 1st for areas with special care for areas such as northern Evia, but also for the one that is aimed exclusively at retirees and freelancers.
He also explained that the Tourism for All program is particularly expanded this year with the provision of an immaterial digital card.
The government spokesman then gave an update on the fires, pointing out that in the last week the Fire Brigade was called to intervene in 756 urban fires, 472 aid services and 297 forest fires, while only in the last 24 hours there were 41 forest fires.
With information from AMPE
Source: Capital
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