Greece welcomed 6 million tourists in 2021

In this year, Greece has welcomed more than six million tourists. The country has surpassed France for the first time as the French traveled more to Greece than their country.

As the summer season is coming to an end, the Greek Minister of Tourism, Haris Theocharis, has acclaimed the country’s performance during the season and pointed out that the country has welcomed more than six million tourists this year.

As per the reports, in July and August 2021 alone, Greece country expected to exceed two million tourists, which is a milestone since 2019.

More than 4,50,000 French tourists visited Greece this summer, which is highly significant in this pandemic situation.

An increase in 'domestic tourism' is also observed, which had to happen for many years, considering the economic crisis Greece has been experiencing.

They helped in arranging different programs like 'Tourism for All' and Social Tourism program. Greece plans to expand these programs as much as possible because these showed a substantial result and will be valid till December 31.

This program is announced in June, and it aimed to allocate a €30 million fund for 2,50,000 Greeks for enjoying their vacations in the islands.

The country has extended its travel ban on domestic flights as the vaccination campaign is lagging compared to other countries.

But as per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports, 65.8 percent of Greece's population were vaccinated with the first dose, whereas 63.4 percent of its population is fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

“Vaccination is the only way to freedom not for others, but for ourselves and our immediate family environment, the people we love. We must protect them,” Theocaris said.

Greece strictly imposes pandemic measures for individuals who are not vaccinated. These include wearing masks, frequent PCR testing for COVID, and respecting other hygiene measures.

If the individuals are from the cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, then they need to get tested upon their arrival and again in the next few days.

Financial Times has recently reported that "Greece has been the champion of recovery in tourism," since it started welcoming tourists from Europe, which is 25 percent more than Spain, which is the longtime competitor in tourism for Greece.

According to the Greek Aviation Authority, the air traffic during the first half of 2021, has increased by 146.8 when compared to 2020. But compared to the pre-pandemic levels, the figures is totally decreased by 63.5 percent.

The increased in these figures is not only because of the hospitality but also due to the recognition of various vaccines.  Greece has recognized highest number of vaccines in Europe. Travelers across the globe inoculated with anyone of these vaccines are allowed to travel Greece and are also exempted from all the quarantine restrictions.

If you are planning to visit Greece or a business trip to Greece  talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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