Greece has always been on of the most popular holiday destinations on our planet. This fact certainly helps the country, even amidst many the current crisis situation. However mass media coverage of the refugee situation has discouraged Greek tourism, in more ways than one, as no one wants to spend a holiday in the middle of upheaval. Despite all the tragedy and distraction though, there is actually no better time to visit Greece. Here are some facts that many mainstream media outlets do not take note of.
Greece and the Greek Isles
Tourism on the Rise
To any would-be travelers, Greece may not seem like the best idea for a holiday amid turmoil. However, despite all the negative press, travel to Greece is actually on the increase owing to lower prices and incentives by government and business. Considering the same magnificent beaches, the same antiquity, and the same Greek hospitality welcome guests, it’s easy to understand a sort of “die hard” love for visiting Greece destinations. what’s more, the isolated nature of the Greek isles, creates an inpercievable barrier to widespread effects of migration.
Despite the recent events, 2015 was a record year for Greece, as 26 million people from all walks of life visited popular touristic locations, among them; Athens Santorini, Myconos, Rhodes, Corfu and Crete. Last season was very important for Greece’s economy, as the tourism industry creates a large amount of revenue for the country. On top of that, word has spread even further of the great Greek vacation possibilities available now.
Putting Facts into Perspective
Many of the migration stories you have seen in the news are true and are based on fact, yet it is all a matter of perspective. The refugee crisis is very real, as it is also very tragic, it has however only affected certain areas of mainland Greece and some of the islands. It has been compartmentalized owing to the path refugees have sought in seeking asylum inside mainland Europe.
Greece has always been one of the safest countries to visit in the world, as the people take pride in this fact and wish to keep this tradition for the future. Based on this fact, if you would not read any news, or talk to any people there about the crisis, you wouldn’t even know it existed. As for rumors of financial disparity whilst you visit, it is just that, a rumor, as the ATM’s are full of money, as foreign credit cards etc. are not affected by Greek banks.
Upon that note, your financial limitations are that of your own banking institutions from your home. Some of you may be asking by now about the widespread panicking and rioting. That fear you may have about toruing Greece and seeing such things is unbiased, as it simply does not happen there. Another key point to take note of, is that the Greeks have handled the refugee crisis with a particular sense of understanding for those in search of a safe harbor. Just last week a Greek court refused to send some refugees back to Turkey because that country had been deemed unsafe. Greek hospitality, even under some duress, gives off an epic kind of value.
We advise travelers to any country to educated themselves as to local and regional issues that may affect their safety. Some of the out islands of Greece have been inundated with refugees, it is true. However, a cursory investigation will reveal all those other Greek destinations which have had no trouble whatsoever outside the ordinary. The facts are clear, Greece is still one of the safest vacation destinations in the world.
For more information on traveling to Greece we recommend readers visit the official pages of Visit Greece and the Ministry of Tourism.