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The Agora => Greek News => Holidays in Hellas => Topic started by: Maik on Friday, 06 October, 2017 @ 22:01:00

Title: TUI's Greek growth
Post by: Maik on Friday, 06 October, 2017 @ 22:01:00
Quote
Europe's largest holiday operator TUI Group plans expansion in Greece
Tourism is a pillar of the Greek economy and accounts for about a fifth of jobs

Europe’s largest holiday operator TUI Group plans to expand in Greece, it said on Friday, signalling confidence in the tourism-dependent country’s efforts to emerge from a long economic crisis.

Tourism is a pillar of Greece’s economy, accounting for about a fifth of annual output of €180bn and a fifth of jobs. Visitors, led by Britons and Germans, have increased by about 50 per cent since the crisis began eight years ago.

“We have been here for 40 years and we will be here for another 40,” TUI CEO Friedrich Joussen said after meeting Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. “I see a greater future for tourism in Greece.”

As well as expanding its asset base of 32 hotels and adding cruise port destinations, TUI was ready to join in efforts to extend the tourist season beyond the summer, Mr Joussen said.

Greek authorities have spoken for years about extending the tourist season, but the country would have to implement reforms to attract tourists, including TUI customers.

“We need some sort of a masterplan for certain destinations,” Mr Joussen said.

“If you want to open (the island of) Crete for a couple more months, we can open Crete ... But if shops are closed and restaurants are closed because the season is over, then the customer might come one time, but not a second one.”

Currently, many Greek tourism businesses work only during the high summer season.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/europe-largest-holiday-operator-tui-group-expansion-greece-economy-tourism-a7987046.html

 :hmm: We've been here before, several times. Yes, tourists won't come back if nothing's open. And businesses can't afford to stay open if there's no business to be done.