Greek Daily News 09/04/2024 - Travel to Greece

ECONOMY

-The Greek economy is seen growing by 2.3% this year, well above the euro zone average, Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras said on Monday. The projection is lower than a government estimate of 2.9% expansion.

-According to ot.gr citing figures from the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers 53,000 jobs remain unfilled, which actually amount to 80,000 once you include the catering industry.

-Thirty cities across Greece have activated contactless payments on urban buses (tap & ride), both on the mainland and on islands, where passengers can pay and access Public Transportation ticket-free with their bank cards (debit/credit/prepaid) or activated devices (smartphone/smartwatch).

-In 2023, exports of Greek distilled beverages, encompassing all types of liquors and spirit drinks, exceeded 100 million euros in value, up 9.4% on an annual basis, Eurostat data showed.

Very rare ouzo brands from local microdistilleries, spotted in a taverna in Skala Eresou, Lesbos island, Greece (Credit: Ioannis Protonotarios, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

REAL ESTATE

-The Bank of Greece annual report points to the “onslaught” of short-term leasing properties and heightened demand for the “Golden Visa” scheme as behind both the shortage of housing and the skyrocketing residential lease rates.

-Investments in the real estate market by foreign nationals increased further in 2023, exceeding 2 billion euros, up 8% compared to 2022 (2,133 million euros compared to 1,975 million euros).

TOURISM

-British multinational airline company Jet2 group has already launched the largest program for Greece that it has implemented so far, with the capacity of airline seats increasing by 12% compared to 2023. More than 100 routes are available from 11 UK airports to 14 airports in Greece.

-Cyprus hotel chain Thanos Hotels and Resorts announced it is entering the Greek luxury hospitality market with a three-year investment plan aimed at opening 10 new hotels.

-Built on the slopes of the Cangshan mountain range, in the heart of Yunnan province in China, a new resort “Dream Land” has been designed to replicate the idyllic beauty of the Greek volcanic island Santorini.

-Starting on Tuesday, April 9, Greek citizens will be able to submit a statement reporting the loss of their passport online via the gov.gr platform.