Greece can become a strong destination, Greek Interior Minister Theodorikakos says

“Greece can become a strong destination of security and mental health for the whole world”

“Achieving the Greek government’s goal for as few losses of human lives as possible will have an impact on our new economic starting point for the next day,” Interior Minister Takis Theodorikakos said on Sunday in an interview with “Eleftheros Typos”.

“If we remain an exemplary country, Greece can become a strong destination of security and mental health for the whole world.

It can be an advantage for the country in the very difficult world that will emerge after the coronavirus crisis,” the Minister said.

Referring to the strictness of the measures and their acceptance by the citizens, Theodorikakos underlined: “All this is done through a process of democratic persuasion and the conscious self-discipline of the citizens.
(Source: amna)

WTTC implores G20 leaders to save the travel sector globally – 75 million jobs at risk

One million jobs are being lost each day in the sector & the GDP loss to the world economy could reach $2.1 trillion in 2020

 The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged governments to prevent “a catastrophic collapse” in the travel and tourism industry following the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, routesonline.com reports.

The call comes as G20 leaders meet in Saudi Arabia today to discuss the pandemic.

WTTC implored the leaders to assign resources and coordinate efforts to rescue major travel businesses such as airlines, cruises, GDS, hotels, and technology companies.

The organization underlined that one million jobs are being lost each day in the sector and the GDP loss to the world economy could be up to $2.1 trillion in 2020.

Liqueurs-Smoothies, Mediterranean Cooking Ginger – banana energy smoothie

By: Λάμπρος Βακιάρος | 13.01.2020 | Liqueurs-Smoothies, Mediterranean Cooking

Creamy and sweet, this smoothie is the perfect, on-the-go energizing drink. It’s loaded with nutrients and is beyond delicious. Add your favorite superfood if you wish.

Serves: 2 Prep. time: 15′ Ready in: 15′

Ingredients
2 medium ripe bananas
1 small red apple
1 small piece fresh ginger, grated
1 cup fresh orange juice
½ cup almond milk
ice

Method
Step 1
Peel fruit and cut in pieces.

Step 2
Whizz all ingredients with some ice in your blender until smooth.

Step 3
Serve with extra ice if you wish.

Greece did something right in dealing with coronavirus spread, writes Bloomberg

The article says Greece acted fast 

A Bloomberg article makes reference to Greece’s successful curtailment of the spread of coronavirus in a report focusing on the timing of nationwide responses for the Covid-19 outbreak.

The piece stresses that Greek authorities adopted measures fast compared to other countries in Europe.

“It may seem harsh, but the markets are recovering and people are still dying, and this marks a turning point in the spread of the epidemic,” the author writes  expressing modest optimism about the development of the pandemic worldwide and its impact on the world economy.

“The situation is stressful and the social distancing is difficult to tolerate, but there are indications that the loss of lives on a larger scale has been prevented,” the author added.

At this point he uses Greece as a case study pointing out that on the issue of the coronavirus, the country seems to have done something right.

“Greece quickly shut down its economy at the first sign of trouble, at a time when tourist destinations were about to open. That seems to have worked.”

 

The article lists a table showing how quickly Greece has taken measures to implement the social distance compared to Italy and Japan.

Desserts, Mediterranean Cooking Goji berry chocolate porridge

By: Λάμπρος Βακιάρος | 21.02.2020 | Desserts, Mediterranean Cooking

 A chocolaty goodness, an amazing comforting breakfast dish that the whole family will love! No added sugar, full of protein and chocolate!

Serves: 2 Prep. time: 10′ Cooks in: 10′ Ready in: 20′

Ingredients
1 cup oats
4 eggs, the whites
2½ cups milk
1 tbsp honey
¼ cup walnuts
1 tsp good quality cocoa
3 tbsp dried goji berries
1 tbsp dark chocolate, finely chopped

Methods
Step 1
In a non-stick medium pot stir all ingredients on medium heat for 10 mins or until porridge thickens and egg whites are cooked and well combined.

Step 2
Serve in breakfast bowls and sprinkle with extra nuts, dark chocolate or dried fruit if you wish.

New Greek tourism campaign urges travelers to #staysafe and keep dreaming of Greece

Better days are surely coming, but to stay safe in the meantime

The new campaign by “Marketing Greece” urges international travelers to “#staysafe” during these difficult times due to the coronavirus pandemic — while continuing to dream and plan an escape to the stunningly beautiful country of Greece, according to greekreporter.com.

Marketing Greece is a collaboration of private sector tourism businesses with the goal of promoting the Greek tourism product abroad.

With their main slogan “Till Then, #StaySafe”, Marketing Greece has created content, offered — without charge — to Greek tourist businesses.

Their overall aim is to share the message with the international tourist public that better days are surely coming, while urging them to stay safe in the meantime.
(Source: Tornos)

New York Times: “Greece has 227 islands. See how to choose”

The islands cater for all tastes 

 New York Times published a feature piece presenting the unique beauties of the 227 Greek islands and pointers on which one to choose for holidays.

According to the article, 30 million travellers visit Greece annually and pick islands in six main island regions of the country.

The piece entitled “Greece has 227 islands. See how to choose” focuses on the criteria one must have to select the ideal island destination for their taste.

Greece receives approximately 30 million international visitors each year, with many heading to the country’s six main island regions.

Choosing where to visit depends on your entry point — Greece has 15 international airports — and how much time you have.

Ferries are an ideal way to get around, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.

Sights from the sea can be breathtaking and during various island stops vendors come on board selling snacks, like the must-try nougat pies on routes heading to the Cyclades.

Even though some islands may seem close geographically, trips can be long with ferries making multiple stops or not having daily departures. Ferries.gr and Ferryhopper.com are reliable sites for researching and booking tickets in advance, which is advised.
 more at nytimes.com

Greek Tourism Sector Recovery Depends on Covid-19 Crisis Duration, Says BoG

The duration of the coronavirus pandemic will be the decisive factor for the Greek tourism industry’s comeback, according to Bank of Greece (BoG) Governor Yannis Stournaras.

According to the March report issued by the central bank, it is too early to assess the repercussions of the coronavirus health crisis on the Greek economy but the tourism industry and particularly revenue is set to suffer a blow.

“The outlook for the tourism sector for 2020 is expected to be affected by the extent of the coronavirus spread,” said the BoG.

At the same time, the latest decisions to ban all circulation and travel, close down hotels for a month, stop incoming flights, as well as impose 14-day quarantines in efforts to restrict the spread of Covid-19 have already taken a toll on the industry.

Demonstrating the importance of the tourism industry today compared to a decade ago, central bank data cites 2019 travel receipts which came to 18.2 billion euros accounting for 9.7 percent of GDP at current rates. In 2010, tourism accounted for a mere 4.3 percent of GDP.

At the same time, the sector’s seasonality is also set to impact revenue. It should be noted that four months – June, July, August, and September – accounted for 73.9 percent of all tourism-related revenue in the last nine years.

Indicatively, in 2019, out of a total of 18.2 billion euros in annual travel receipts, 13.3 billion euros were generated in the June-September period.

Other negative factors include the uncertainty and the resulting deterioration of the investor climate.
Last year’s tourism performance with increased arrivals and overnight stays for a seventh consecutive year had paved the way for an even stronger year in 2020 before the Covid-19 crisis hit.

According to 2019 figures, the number of beds increased by 1.4 percent in 2019 against 2018 boosting employment by 9 percent.

Lastly, according to the BoG report, besides tourism, other sectors set to feel the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic and suffer losses include transport, trade, F&B, and services related to entertainment and recreation.
(source:gtp)

Staying Home Today, Means Travelling Tomorrow!

https://www.plakiassuites.com/
#Stayathome #TravelGreece Later 🧳✈️

Breakfast next to the sea

Beach House

 

In a unique place, fully harmonized with the natural environment, where everything is carefully tailored to the smallest detail, you can enjoy a rich breakfast with delicious flavors.

 The comfortable seating, the unique tastes and the view of the deep blue sea, will give you the most fresh and dynamic start for a day of outdoors in Plakias!

The Beach House is an all-day bar mix, we start the day with fresh orange juice, coffee and delicious brunch and continue with cold and hot snacks, fresh organic Greek salad at the end of the day we offer first class alcohol cocktails.

Do you prefer breakfast in the privacy of your luxury suite? Just let us know.

Beach House by PlakiasSuites

FoodTreX Travel Summit: Greece can become world’s number 1 food tourism destination

In Greece total revenues from tourism amount to 16 billion Euros & 4 billion of that concerns the gastronomy sector

Gastronomy tourism is estimated at some $1 trillion globally, according to the founder of the World Food Travel Association, Erik Wolf, while the association’s ambassador in Greece, Maria Athanasopoulou, says that “our country has got what it takes to be the world’s number 1 food tourism destination in the next decade, provided we step up to conquer that and work all together as one.”

They both spoke on the sidelines of the FoodTreX International Food Travel Summit in Thessaloniki on Monday, with Wolf presenting data that showed 93 percent of global travelers seek gastronomic experiences during their travels while 25 percent of tourists “spend considerable sums” on food and drink in the countries they visit.

In Greece, “total revenues from tourism amount to 16 billion euros, and 4 billion of that concerns the gastronomy sector – i.e. 25 percent of takings,” he pointed out.
Source: tornosnews