Greek capital set for image overhaul
Tourism Minister Costas Markopoulos (left) and Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis (right) yesterday presented a program to promote Athens as a tourist destination in 24 cities across the world. Five large promotional events will also be held Chicago, New York, London, Paris and Berlin as part of the campaign, which will run from May through to June. The riots that took place in Athens last December were seen as denting the capital’s image as a place for travelers to come to but industry sources say that visitor numbers to the capital are starting to recover. The country’s tourism sector, which accounts for 17 percent of the economy, is bracing for a difficult year due to the downturn, with a drop of up to 20 percent in arrival figures expected for the year.
