Crete is Greece’s largest island and every year attracts many many tourists. But this year, it may be high season, but the beaches are half empty. According to the estimations, the takings are down between 30 and 40 percent Accounts like these are bad news for Greece, which needs to attract every tourist it can this season.
The sector generates almost a fifth of Greek national output and will play a vital role in the country’s economic recovery, but in June figures from the Bank of Greece showed tourism receipts had plunged by 15.7 percent compared to last year, following a 10 percent decline in 2009.
According to the AFP, media coverage of violent protests against austerity measures in Athens and successive strikes have damaged Greece’s reputation, making potential visitors head to other sunny destinations such as Turkey.
After a troubling start to the season, tourism has recovered in the peak July-August period, and now tourist number is the same as this time last year.
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