Arabs Introduced to Greece Tourism Investment Opportunities

Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Tryfonopoulos invited Arab entrepreneurs to invest in Greek tourism during the 5th Arab-Hellenic Economic Forum held at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens on Tuesday.

The two-day event titled “Unleashing the Arab-Hellenic Potential” was aimed at presenting the business possibilities available in Greece and ways to boost mutual trade and investment.

Citing increased arrival figures for 2016 estimated at reaching some 27.5 million, Tryfonopoulos added that Greece can achieve incoming tourism figures to the tune of more that 35 million visitors by 2020, adding that it was indicative of the sector’s potential for growth and promising investment return. He added the country’s international appeal, its infrastructure (marinas, ports and airports) as well as its highly trained and multi-lingual human resources.

Besides urging Arab investors to seek opportunities in the Greek tourism sector, he referred to the availability of competitive tour package deals as well as the benefits that come with the purchase of property in Greece.

Indicatively, Greece has increased the number of “golden visas” to individuals investing more than 250,000 euros in property. The visa grants a five-year residence permit renewable for third country nationals who purchase – individually or through a legal entity – property in Greece valued at a minimum of 250,000 euros, or who have taken out a minimum 10-year lease in hotel accommodation or tourism facilities.