Despite the images of street riots being beamed around the world in recent times, Greece is having a bumper tourism year, with visitor numbers up 10 per cent.
The country is seeking to attract wealthier tourists to help its stricken economy. Tourism chiefs are concerned that its reputation as a bucket-and-spade or student destination is under threat from cheaper countries. Instead, the Greek government wants to promote its status as the “cradle of civilisation”. With this in mind, a new visitor centre has been opened at the Acropolis in Athens.
Tourism accounts for 18 per cent of Greece’s GDP, and one in five Greeks are employed in the sector. The government has slashed VAT on accommodation from 11 per cent to 6.5 per cent, and has reduced the price of ferry crossings between islands.