Despite the loss of tourism revenues on Greek islands where thousands of refugees arrive daily, some businesses seem to profit from the inflow.
The number of tourists visiting certain islands has dropped significantly since the refugee crisis escalated in the summer months. Expected revenues from tourism declined significantly in a country where tourism is one of the main sources of income.
The European Union is reimbursing Greece for building and maintaining refugee registration points and hospitality camps. At the same time, some businesses seem to welcome the throes of people who come from the Turkish shores and land on the islands of the Aegean.
Al Jazeera spoke to vendors on Lesbos who said their incomes were higher than usual because of the refugees. Vasso Koinaki, who owns a food van, said on some days she was making up to 2,000 euros a day.
“In the [peak time] we made up to 2,000 euros a day. Now about 500 euros. Before [the refugees] we made just 50 euros a day,” Koinaki said.
In the off-season months, richer refugees are helping keep hotels that are quiet in the winter busy, as is the flow of Frontex staff, UNHCR personnel, extra police officers and aid workers arriving from the mainland to deal with the crisis.
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