Attracting more tourists from remote markets could lead to a new “Big Bang” for Greek tourism, as those visitors tend to spend more time and money.
Travelers on long-haul flights, like those lasting over six hours, account for more than 11% of the country’s tourism takings.
The strengthening of Athens airport’s connections with markets such as the US, Canada and China, as well as the launch of the first direct links with India this year, support such a strategy.
For example, at the peak of the tourism season, there will be 103 weekly flights linking Athens with a number of US airports, while Air Canada is adding another seven weekly flights.
