Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Been to Greece this year?

Planning a trip or holidayed in Greece this year? Let us know if you were affected by the country's economic woes or how the tourism industry is holding upEconomic disaster, riots, strikes ... Greece's image as the ultimate summer idyll has taken a severe battering this year. But not severe enough to put off holidaymakers, it seems.Along with Spain and Portugal, Greece has seen an upturn in tourist numbers this summer, mainly due to people shunning Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia in favour of western Europe. According to market research company GFK Ascent-MI, tourist numbers to Greece have risen 5% this year. As well as the Arab Spring having a knock-on effect, cost has inevitably played a part. Package prices are much the same as last year, according to Noel Josephides, managing director of Sunvil which sends 20,000 people to Greece every year. "Tourism is the only thing the Greeks have got, what else is left? They've realised they have to attract people by keeping prices reasonable."Despite reports that once you get there the daily living costs are high, Josephides says that outside of Athens and fashionable resorts such as Mykonos prices in restaurants and cafes have actually come down. Does this tally with your experience? We want to hear your Greek holiday tales. And not just whether can you still dine on fresh sardines and a caraf of wine for less than ?5.If you're a regular visitor to Greece, what impact have the recent economic problems had on your trip? What advice can you offer travellers planning a stay in Greece this year?Share your stories and advice in the comments below.GreeceEuropean debt crisisEuropeTravel & leisureIsabel Choatguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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