Meeting Vassilis Kikilias – George Tsouni: Unprecedented demand for tickets from the USA for Greece

The meeting of the Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias with the new US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsouni, took place today in an extremely warm atmosphere.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Tourism confirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations between Greece and the United States, which – as noted – is also reflected in the tourism sector.

The Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias, pointed out the targeted actions of the Ministry, all the previous period, talking about the strategic cooperation developed with the USA, with the result that by the end of the season more than 500,000 American tourists are expected in “Eleftherios Venizelos”. with direct flights from the largest American airports, without this number including arrivals in our country through transit flights. As Mr. Kikilias reiterated, there are currently 9 direct flights per day directly from America, a number that corresponds to 63 flights per week.

For his part, the US Ambassador to our country expressed his personal interest in taking specific initiatives that will give even greater impetus to the excellent cooperation of the two countries in the field of tourism, while noting that the demand for airline tickets from the US to Greece is unprecedented for the summer season.

On the table, specific proposals were found for the extension of the tourist season, as well as for the addition of new destinations with the introduction of more direct flights from the USA to our country.

The American Ambassador spoke with very warm words about the excellent – as he characterized it – level of the Greek tourism industry and the exceptional quality tourist product of our country, while he did not fail to emphasize both his love for Greece and his personal friendship. with the Minister of Tourism.

The meeting also focused on further strengthening investment, especially in the tourism sector.

The following are the statements of the Minister of Tourism and the US Ambassador to Greece.

The Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias stated: “I would like to thank, warmly, the US Ambassador to Greece, Mr. George Tsounis, for today’s visit to the Ministry of Tourism. A visit, which is very important for us. 25% of Greece’s GDP comes from tourism, which shows the dynamics and importance of our tourism product.This year, we have developed a strategic partnership and alliance with the US.Therefore, we are fortunate to have 9 direct flights a day , in “Eleftherios Venizelos” from the United States, 63 a week, and that in itself is a huge success.

We warmly thank the Ambassador of the United States for the American investments made in our country, especially in the tourism sector. And we look forward to his help and support, so that what gives income and support to the average Greek family – to the average Greek family tourism business – continues to grow, to continue to grow stronger. And of course – along with our tourism product – Greek-American relations continue to strengthen, which I think are at their best.

At this point, I would also like to address the issues of our neighborhood, which are very important to us. We Greeks are a peaceful people. We are a peaceful people. It is a given, however, that we are also patriots. We love our homeland and, of course, we are interested in the conditions in our neighborhood to be peaceful, to be positive for the Greek people and our homeland. Mr. Ambassador, we look forward to your support and cooperation. And thank you very much once again. ”

The US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsounis, stated:

“It is a great honor for me to be here. And I would like you to forgive me because I will not follow the protocol so much, as we have known the Minister of Tourism for a long time. I know him as” Vassilis “and he knows me as” George “. We are very good friends “I am very happy to be here today. This is a very critical Ministry for the Greek economy, as – as the Greek Minister of Tourism pointed out – 25% of the country’s GDP comes from tourism. all easily that from the moment the visitor discovers Greece, he wants to come back here again and again.And it is not only because it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.It is also the Greek hospitality that enchants the traveler.

To paraphrase Nikos Kazantzakis “when you knock on a door in Crete, you may not know the family that lives in this house, but they will invite you to go inside their house, they will kiss you and invite you to visit them again and again”. This is Greek hospitality. This is Greek goodness. The Greeks are the most hospitable people in the world. I have experienced it first hand, I guarantee it. Greece is a very beautiful country. Its beaches are beautiful. Its mountains are beautiful. It is also very important the fact that through tourism, we discover the wonderful Greek gastronomy, the wonderful Mediterranean cuisine. Greece is also an ideal place for business, but also for work. I encourage everyone to visit Greece, not only during the summer, but also during the other months of the year. Karpenisi, for example, has wonderful mountains for skiing, I mentioned earlier in Crete.

As you know, my origin is from Platanos in mountainous Nafpaktia. But if you ask me which part of Greece I prefer, I will answer that I love every corner of the country “.