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Greece 'perfect' destination for UAE travellers: Tourism minister

Dubai - Direct flights between two countries to be key factor in coming years

Many first time visitors to Greece might know of it because of the Acropolis at Athens or the picturesque island of Santorini.
However, Elena Kountoura, Alternate Minister for Tourism, Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism, Hellenic Republic of Greece, is quick to point out that there are countless locations across the islands that will leave visitors awed and wanting to return to the country again and again.
"Greece has always been a popular destination for vacation-goers from around the world," she said in an interview with Khaleej Times. "But, a visit to Greece is incomplete if you only limit yourself to visiting one island. Visit Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Delos, and many other islands that all have their own unique charm and beauty."
"We have a huge variety of offerings, so travellers are really spoiled for choice. Tourists can visit and explore a number of stunning islands, check out the various entertainment offerings, spend some time getting to know the high-end luxury scene, sample the delicious local cuisine, learn more about the history of the country by visiting all the historic sites, or simply relax at a resort. Greece is a country where you can have it all in one unforgettable package," she noted.
Kountoura also spoke about how the UAE and Greece have great bilateral relations. Both countries have a lot in common such as history, culture, and a warmth that is showcased in their hospitality, she said. "We were at the Arabian Travel Market exhibition this year as it was very important for us to promote Greece as a tourist destination to the people of the UAE. The UAE is very important for us, because tourists from the UAE look for quality in their travels and we know that we can offer it to them. So, whether people come to Greece for tourism, business, or simply for shopping, we know that we can make them feel welcome," she explained.
Kountoura also noted that the flight time from the UAE to Greece is approximately five hours, which just adds to the popularity of the destination amongst UAE residents. "Tourism from the UAE to Greece over the 2015-2016 period increased by 55 per cent, and this makes us very happy. We officially opened up the market last year, so it is a priority for us. It is important for us to maintain this momentum and attract a greater number of visitors in the coming years."
She added that direct flights between the two countries will be a key factor in the coming years. According to her, tourists from the UAE, especially those that travel with their families, spend an average of 10 days in Greece. This is more than the time that tourists from other countries usually spend in the country, because of the convenience of direct flights, and a short flight time.
"Our presence in the UAE also allows us access to other markets such as the wider Gulf region, India, China, and South Korea. I'm very optimistic about the growth in inbound tourism in the coming years," Kountoura said.
She also explained that in order to cater to the growing number of travellers, the country is expanding its hospitality portfolio in not just the four and five-star hotel segment, but also the mid-market and budget traveller segment. "We have to have the capacity to cater to all types of travellers. In addition to luxury hotels and resorts, we have several very beautiful boutique hotels on the islands for travellers that want to experience what it is like to live the life of the island. Visitors can rest assured that we have a great choice of accommodations to fit everyone's travel budget."
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com