ATHENS: In this summer of discontent for Greece, tourism is needed more than ever to be the economy’s lifeboat. The industry contributes 17 percent to an ever-contracting economy. Hoteliers, taverna owners and sailboat skippers are heading into peak tourist season, praying for both another record year and that Athens succeeds in getting a financial lifeline to stay in the euro zone.
All things going well, this is how the next three months could unfold, according to government projections, with visitors topping out at more than 3 million. Tourism receipts are also expected to reach the highest level since at least 2000.Here what will
For Americans looking for pristine beaches and clear-blue skies, Greece is a bargain. The weakening of the European single currency means that your glass of ouzo and white-washed villa overlooking the Aegean are 17 percent cheaper than they were this time last year. Greece staying in the bloc will be key to making this benefit last.
The prolonged European crisis has prompted people to travel on the cheap. Average spending in the past decade has dropped 32 percent to 604 euros from 882 euros.
