Prior
to its independence in 1832, Greece was not a common destination for
tourists; its popularity began an upward swing in the late 50s, reaching
its apex in 2000 (13 million tourists, nearly twice the country’s
population). Today tourism is the main Greek industry, with all the
social and ecological problems that brings. A poor country whose economy
has been further crippled by the sanctions imposed upon it by the EU
and the IMF, Greece must struggle to compete in the tourism field with
few resources other than its stunning natural beauty and the wealth of
its cultural artefacts as the birthplace of Western civilisation.
Greece
needs its tourist industry now more than ever; anyone choosing Greece
as a holiday destination is helping to support its economy. Though
struggling, it has lost none of its attraction for visitors; the
Parthenon is still as breathtaking, the sea still as blue and the sand
as white (and the Retsina as delicious) as ever. Greek people are
unbelievably warm, child-friendly and hospitable and Greek food is
healthy and delicious. Go to Greece for the holiday of a lifetime – you
will neither regret nor forget it.
