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