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The "New York Times" refers to the "bet of the opening of tourism" in Greece, referring to a great challenge that involves risk, which stems from the enormous importance of the tourism industry for the Greek economy.
According to the American newspaper, Greece is not the only country in the European Union that has decided to take this risk and move faster compared to most members of the European bloc.
Cyprus and Croatia are making a similar opening, both ready to receive vaccinated and coronavirus-negative visitors. Similar moves for France have been announced by Emanuel Macron, while various European countries outside the EU, such as Iceland, Montenegro and Serbia, are moving in the same direction.
"We can not wait until June," said Tourism Minister Haris Theocharis in an interview, headlining the New York Times article on the upcoming Greek tourism opening.
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As the article notes, those who want to go to Athens from the United States will have a few ways to do so in the near future.
Indicatively, from May 28, Delta Airlines will resume its direct flights from New York to Athens, with American Airlines, United and Emirates following in early June. Other US cities, such as Atlanta and Chicago, will have direct air connections to Athens during the summer season.
Despite the general sense of relaxation brought to the country by the gradual lifting of measures and the improvement of the weather, visitors will again have to comply with the necessary social distances and other measures for the protection of public health that will continue to apply in Greece. The newspaper reports, citing relevant statements by Mr. Theocharis.
The protection of Greek citizens from the coronavirus is a priority, but so is their protection from the catastrophic effects of a prolonged economic decline, the Minister of Tourism had also stated, something that directly refers to what Costas Tzilialis, its co-owner, told the New York Times Athenian coffee / bookstore Locomotiva Cooperativa: “Unfortunately, after more than ten years of financial difficulties, tourism and food are our only industry. They do not produce cars or motorcycles. That is why we need to open our industry now. "
Record summer flights from the USA
As "K" wrote, the American market is emerging as the biggest bet of this year's tourist season for Greece, as the major US airlines have planned the most direct flights to Athens for many years.
It is noteworthy that in August there will be at least seven direct flights between the United States and "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport, while if the connections through major European airports to Athens and regional airports are taken into account, it is estimated that the available seats for travel from the US to Greece will reach 40,000 per week.
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United starts daily Athens - New York (Newark) from June 3 and daily Athens - Washington from July 1. Delta starts daily Athens - New York (JFK) route from May 28. From June 3, American will fly daily Athens - New York (JFK) and from June 4 daily route Athens - Chicago. The same airline from August 17 adds a daily route Athens - Philadelphia. Emirates will fly daily from June 1 directly from Athens - Newark. All the above itineraries are already available in the airline sales systems. We will know at the end of May whether all this capacity will be translated into reservations, sources at the Athens International Airport .
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