The Greek National Tourist Organisation (GNTO) says early reservations from Italy for the coming season reveal peaked interest by Italian travelers. This positive news hits just as Greece braces for cancellations from China over the coronavirus outbreak. Greece tourism 2020 is beginning to look like an up and down affair.
At a two-day event entitled Travel Open Day, representatives of GNTO had the opportunity to meet representatives of tourist agents and tour operators, airlines and media who reaffirmed the Italians’ timeless love for Greece. According to their reports, the new tourist trend is all about Italian travelers seeking less popular destinations in Greece.
Meanwhile, Greek destinations such as Santorini, which are favored by Chinese travelers, are feeling a double backlash over the deadly coronavirus outbreak. According to the news, Chinese visits to the island have been cut by one third already. In addition, those worldwide travelers who know Chinese tourists favor Santorini are asking if they should worry about contracting the deadly virus. The situation has many concerned about Greece tourism 2020.
Another positive note comes in the form of Greece’s Tourism Ministry predicting close to one million Israeli tourists who will visit Greece this year. Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis recently told i24news, one of Israel’s largest television networks:
“The number of Israeli tourists is remarkably growing year by year and can be further increased by introducing new destinations and promoting new tourism experiences to them.”
Ironically, Air Italy has just announced that they’ll be liquidating and suspending operations effective immediately. From February 11 through 25, 2020, all Air Italy flights will be operated by other carriers.