Friday, February 23, 2024
Greece has recently made it significantly easier for Turkish tourists to visit 10 of its islands by introducing an expedited visa process. This new arrangement, which offers on-the-spot day visas, comes as a strategic move aimed at bolstering tourism, particularly in light of a decline in the number of Israeli visitors. Greek entrepreneurs are optimistic that this initiative will compensate for the shortfall and revitalize local economies.
The groundwork for this visa policy was laid following discussions between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December of the previous year. The streamlined visa process is designed to facilitate quick and hassle-free visits by Turkish tourists to select islands, enhancing Greece’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Valid for a week, the visa grants access to islands including Kalymnos, Limnos, Leros, Kos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, Symi, and Kastelorizo. These islands, which are in close proximity to Turkey, have long been favored destinations for Turkish holidaymakers, despite historical tensions between the two nations.
The mayor of Symi Island, Lefteris Papakalodoukas, lauded the visa initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen the cultural and tourism ties between Greece and Turkey. He noted that Symi, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of Turkish visitors, especially those arriving by yacht.
Prior to the introduction of this fast-track visa system, Turkish tourists faced a cumbersome visa application process at the Greek Consulate in Izmir. The new system simplifies entry, sparking significant interest among thousands of potential visitors.
Giannis Papavasileiou, the President of the Hotel Owners Association, expressed confidence that the influx of Turkish tourists would provide a much-needed boost to the islands’ economies, which have been impacted by a decrease in visitors from Israel.
Local communities are keenly anticipating the implementation of this visa system, hopeful for its activation by the upcoming summer. They are ready to welcome an increase in Turkish tourists, viewing it as a vital opportunity to revive tourism and foster closer ties between Greece and Turkey.
This initiative is expected to have a profound impact on airline tourism, facilitating increased travel from Turkey to the Greek islands. By simplifying the visa process, Greece aims to attract more tourists, potentially leading to a surge in flight bookings and tourism-related activities on the islands. From the introduction of the fast-track visa to its anticipated effects on the local economies, the entire narrative underscores the significant potential for enhancing airline tourism between Turkey and Greece.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
