“I wish Greece were closer so that I could go there every year,” said dancer Anita Ratnam, who just returned from a trip to the country, renowned for its ancient monuments, cultural landmarks, and beaches.
With a financial crisis rocking the European nation however, some customers are anxious about upcoming trips while for others, it may be an opportunity to plan a trip, say travel agents.
“The tourism industry in Greece is excellent. The country is dripping with history, people are friendly and helpful, and it was one of my most memorable holidays. But it is not a cheap country to travel to — it was more expensive than Spain, for instance, and the rates at the popular island Santorini were exorbitant,” said Ms. Ratnam.
Travel agents say the rates, especially for accommodation, may drop a little in the near future. Greece has been rising in popularity among tourists from south India, especially for honeymooning couples, said Charanya Ramesh, CEO of city-based Shakthi Tours and Travels.
While there has been no unrest reported in the country so far, reports of the worsening economic situation has led to some cancellations, said Venkatraman Suresh, senior manager, Akshaya Tours and Travels. “There are better rates on offer but we have to educate our clients,” he said, adding that a package trip of Turkey and Greece was quite sought after.
Greece’s official tourism website, however, states that “all visitors to Greece and anyone with a credit/debit card issued in a foreign country will not be affected by the measures to limit bank withdrawals.”
Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com, said the crisis would not affect travel companies in India, as it was not yet a significantly popular destination. “It’s a country the more experienced travellers go to. Others will probably explore countries such as Hungary and Czech Republic,” he said.
“While standalone numbers for Greece are not as significant as other European destinations, depreciation in the Euro will result in an upside with pricing benefits being passed on to our consumers,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director, Thomas Cook India, in a statement.
So if you are planning a holiday abroad, take a look at Greece. As Akshara Santhosh, who went there in 2013 says, “It is a beautiful country that is definitely worth a second visit.”
Tips for tourists:
| 1 | All visitors to Greece and anyone with a credit/debit card issued in a foreign country will not be affected by the measures to limit bank withdrawals. |
| 2 | The measures announced recently, do not apply to those wishing to make transactions and withdrawals with a credit/debit card issued in their home country. As a consumer, you are protected by Greek consumer protection law for all transactions you make while travelling in the country. All enterprises, regardless of their nature (tourist or otherwise), are obliged to issue written receipts for the total amount they receive. |
| 3 | Foreign visitors must ensure that they have valid medical cover before departing |
| 4 | Tourists should acquire, for their own convenience, detailed information regarding the use of public transport at their destination |
| 5 | Tourists should be aware, when using taxis, that drivers are obliged, upon request, to issue official receipts for the total cost of the journey. In the event of any omission or violations of the above, you may submit a complaint or claim on a 24-hour basis to the Tourist Police at the number 1571. |
| 6 | In case of emergency call: Ambulance Service: 166, SOS Doctors: 1016, Duty Hospitals and Clinics: 1434, Police: 100, Tourist Police: 1571 |
