Geopolitical upheavals are forcing tourist countries to look for alternative markets at a furious pace – primarily in connection with the departure of Russia. Closing Europe for Russian tourists is apparently a long one – decided in Greece, which has unconditionally supported sanctions against Russia, and local tourism authorities are looking to replace the Russians – in other global markets, while “enticing” China and the United States.
Regarding the first, according to the Greek Ministry of Tourism for the period 2022-2024, the Minister of Tourism Vasilis Kikilias and the Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzhen signed a special tourism agreement. Within its framework, “China and Greece will cooperate in the field of tourism education, as well as mutual promotion in the two countries and the development of alternative forms of tourism. The Tourism Action Plan for 2022-2024 also covers activities under the Greco-Chinese Cultural Tourism Road and the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) under Belts and Roads.
The United States did not limit itself to documents, although the summit also took place: the first direct flight of the American airline Delta Airlines landed at Athens International Airport on Tuesday, “opening the tourist season earlier than ever before,” Greek media said. At the same time, US Ambassador Jeffrey Payette said that this year will be the largest number of flights between Greece and America in history. The Greek Minister of Tourism, in turn, thanked him for the “vote of confidence in the country and Greek tourism.” Up to nine direct flights a day from the United States to Greece are expected this summer.
By the way, the American ambassador did not forget to speak about the current agenda. In particular, the United States, using “clear statements from Greece”, asks the authorities “to provide jobs in the tourism sector for Ukrainians.”