The Greek government has remained strong despite the financial crisis on the most important economic factor in the country: tourism. The Prime Minister Yorgos Papandreou confirmed on Wednesday in a ceremony of the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE). Papandreou also announced a comprehensive package of measures will be implemented starting immediately. Among other things, the landing fees of Greek airports during the coming summer season will be eliminated - the only exception: the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
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Prime Minister Yorgos Papandreou said during the SETE Assembly, inter alia, that his government was determined not only to extricate the country out of crisis, but also to re-establish tourism as one of the main sources of income.
Comprehensive Package of Emergency Measures:
These words are immediately followed by action. The Government will adopt a comprehensive package of measures which take effect in the next few weeks in power. These include the following provisions:
- The take-off and landing fees at Greek airports for the duration of the coming summer season will be abolished completely. In the low and mid season they are reduced by 50 percent compared to today. This rule does not apply to the Athens Airport.
Flights to Greece are significantly cheaper for tourists. So shall the yearly average increase in the short term. The reduction in force beyond the summer months will also extend the season as defined by the companies.
- The so-called "cabotage" rule for reuzfahrt schiffe is repealed. This rule states that vessels may operate from non-EU countries not within Greece routes, which to date have included meant that avoided U.S. Cruise Liner Greece.
- In the medium term this action by the emergence of doubling of cruise passengers. This would generate a substantial number of new jobs.
- A total of 100 million euros will go towards the promotion of small tourism enterprises in Greece. Priority in the allocation, measures to improve infrastructure and quality.
Asked that the deterioration in competitiveness between countries for years to be restored.
- A package of infrastructure measures to optimize peripheral airports and marinas is defined and started.
- New and additional training programs for hotel staff and other professional group’s tourism's affinen be initiated.
- In close cooperation with the Greek Hotel Association to provide additional incentives for foreign tourists to be created. This includes for example the reduction of visa costs for travelers from new, dynamic markets such as Russia or Belarus.
