Greek Daily News 25/05/2024

ECONOMY

-Retail price of coffee expected to rise by 5-15% in the coming period, Kathimerini reported. The president of the Hellenic Coffee Association, Tasos Giagkoglou, told a press event on Thursday that the price of Robusta and Arabica coffee varieties have increased by 60% and 30% respectively compared to last year.

-Greece’s Development Ministry imposed administrative fines of a total amount of 305,000 euros on 3 servicers and debt collection companies (doValue Greece, QQuant Master Servicer, Cepal Hellas) for violation of the relevant legislation, Naftemporiki reported. From September 2023 until today, fines totaling 1,825,000 euros have been imposed.

-The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) has launched an international tender for the development of a business and logistics park in the “Spilies” area of the Fyli Municipality, in the region of Attica. Investors interested in submitting bids can do so by June 17, the Greek assets body announced.

TOURISM

-Blue Flag 2024: Greece is second in the world with 625 awarded beaches, 18 marinas an 9 touristic boats, according to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), the National Operator of the “Blue Flag” International Program. Halkidiki emerged as the top region in Greece, with 104 Blue Flags, while Crete maintains the first position with 146 Blue flags. The international Blue Flag quality award evaluates cleanness of bathing water and beaches, as well as services for the visitors.

-Greek airline Sky Express will continue operating two direct flights per week from Paris to Crete’s Heraklion until the end of November, to boost winter tourism.

-US-based United Airlines has launched a new daily direct flight between Athens International Airport and its main hub in Chicago O’Hare, increasing flights from Greece by more than 30%. This new seasonal flight from Athens to Chicago O’Hare adds to United’s existing flights from Greece which started earlier this summer.

-Aegean Airline announced its key financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2024. Revenue reached €268,8 mil., 17% higher than Q1-23. Following 2023 high performance, AEGEAN continued its growth path. The Group offered 10% more seats on its international network which included 85 direct routes from the country’s two main airports.