Greece in crisis: a new travel destination
While sunshine and sandy beaches are still Greece’s main assets in the global tourism market, the current crisis is proving a hit with a niche international clientele.
Political Tours, a UK-based company organizing holiday packages in countries facing political, financial, social and humanitarian upheaval, is organizing its first Greek tour.
The tour, which will take place in August, will focus on the future of the euro. Accompanied by economists, participants will speak with Greek politicians, businessmen and ordinary people about the ongoing debt crisis.
The Greek package, which includes stops on the island of Samos, Athens, Perama and Corinth, will take a look at the effects of austerity measures, the role of corruption, issues of immigration, the rise of unemployment and tax evasion, among others.
Since its establishment in 2009, the company has organized journeys to countries ranging from North Korea and Libya, to Bosnia, Serbia and Ethiopia. The nine-day Greek tour costs about 3,450 euros.
Speaking on Skai, Political Tours founder and former New York Times correspondent Nicholas Wood noted that the tour aimed at offering a complete journalistic experience to those participating.
The tour will end with a look at the country?s recent Potato Movement and the legacy ? and cost — of the Athens 2004 Olympics.
According to Wood, four so-called political tourists have already booked their Greek crisis vacation.
