Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-09-27

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] SETE expresses concern over tourist revenues in 2016

[02] Tourism is our national power, Alternate Tourism Min Kountoura says on Wolrd Tourism Day

[01] SETE expresses concern over tourist revenues in 2016

According to the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), tourism revenues were down by some 5% or some 346 million euros in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period last year.

"It is obvious that this year's tourism revenues will be at levels significantly lower than expected," SETE said in an announcement.

A 10 percent rise in tourism costs, higher VAT, the abolition of the reduced VAT rates on the islands and levies to all sectors of tourism are among the factors that have affected Greek tourism, SETE explained.

The Confederation of Greek Tourism added that Greece hardly had any benefit from the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean.

"In order to maintain and strengthen the key contribution of the sector to the national economy, the state should put emphasis on finding an effective solution to the refugee issue, investing in targeted promotion of Greek tourism and restore tax rates to competitive levels", SETE said.

[02] Tourism is our national power, Alternate Tourism Min Kountoura says on Wolrd Tourism Day

Kountoura underlined that Greece is an attractive destination that constantly increases its international appeal. "We always enrich our tourist product. We showcase the image of our country internationally. We promote Greek destinations that offer authentic travel experiences," she said.

Kountoura said that the ministry's aim is promoting tourism all year round and seeking to create multiple benefits in all regions of the country, even the most remote ones, as well as highlighting new Greek destinations. She also stressed the importance of creating new resources of revenues and jobs in local communities and ensure. the welfare of the country.

Ever since its inception, World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

The minister said that the World Tourism Day reminds us that we can become the best ambassadors of the country abroad, promoting the beautiful and friendly Greece across the world, but also the very warm hospitality offered by the Greeks as a people.

"It is this unique tourist identity that we celebrate with pride and we underline with a high sense of responsibility in the implementation of development policies, which will promote tourism and Greece in the coming years," she said.

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