«Greece will be this year for the Romania the number 1 tourist destination» said the Minister of Tourism, Vasilis Kikilias.
Speaking to Skye from Bucharest, where he is in Bucharest for a series of meetings with tour operators, airlines, businessmen and representatives of the country's political leadership, Mr. Kikilias stressed that Romanian visitors will not only prefer Greece for their holidays, but have also chosen destinations that do not have such a strong brand, thus strengthening the economy in other regions of the country that until now have not benefited significantly from tourism. Particularly important is also that many of these destinations have traditionally been an attraction for Russian tourists, from whom, the minister said, this year we are not expected to see strong tourist flows, not only to Greece but also to other countries.
«That's why this year we have targeted other markets, such as Romania, Serbia - next week I'll be there - and her Poland as well as in Scandinavian countries, while with France, England and Israel we have already made deals and have secured very high numbers», V. Kikilias.
The Minister of Tourism made special reference to the direct flights from the USA, which have already started in March and will bring half a million visitors to our country, stressing that all this is the product of hard work that is being done step by step in the midst of a war raging in the heart of Europe.
He also expressed optimism for the coming months, however, as he said, «we will be cashing in at the end of 2022. The Government, the Prime Minister and me personally we are interested in the average Greek family. The family tourist business, primary production, the farmer who gives tourism his products, which are excellent, the health shops and the commercial world associated with tourism.».
Finally, Mr Kikilias referred to social tourism: «We announced €30 million for social tourism, from 1 July, with free pass. Easy, fast and without bureaucracy, this intervention is addressed to all our fellow citizens who cannot, for those who do not have, for those who have borne the greatest burdens. In this way, the Greek Government demonstrates once again how much it supports the Greeks,» he said.
