Stay at Home and Visit Greece!

Global crisis, which is gaining larger proportions due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, will have the greatest impact on the tourism sector, according to global experts. Travel agencies, airlines, and hospitality businesses worldwide are already feeling the first consequences and losses. Reports from the World Tourism Organization indicate that due to the pandemic, the number of tourist trips worldwide will decrease by 30 percent compared to the record year of 2019.

There is currently speculation that high temperatures may affect the virus and lead to the stabilization and withdrawal of the virus, which could alleviate the situation in countries where tourism is associated with the period from May to October.

Only 900,000 Serbians visit Greece during one season. However, the situation will be different this year, as many hotels will not even open, resulting in an expected 50 percent drop in the number of tourists. Tourism will supposedly occur in two stages, and the latest information suggests that the season could start on July 1st.

• Kastelorizo - Greek spirit in the far east
• Ithaca - the island of return

Half of the vacation is in dreaming!

The Greek Ministry of Tourism has launched the online platform "Greece from Home" to promote the country's image to people around the world and invite them to visit, albeit only virtually for now - directly from the comfort and safety of their homes. The initiative has three goals, as stated by the Greek Ministry: to help people from all over the world stay connected with Greece and its culture, to discover new destinations and be inspired by the beauties of Greece, and for tourism professionals to utilize their digital skills.

Greece has proposed the introduction of "health passports" for tourists who will not give up on traveling, and negotiations are underway with the European Union regarding protocols for testing tourists at domestic airports, followed by the issuance of a special "health passport."

According to the Greek Minister of Tourism, the platform is part of the government's strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to taking measures to protect public health, protect and restart the economy, and rebuild Greek society, the government is also taking steps to strengthen and manage the country's image as a tourist destination.

Virtual visits to Greece will not generate the necessary revenue for tourism, but until real visits become possible again, this is a way to "stay in touch with guests," said the Greek Minister.

"Greece from Home" is intended for potential visitors to Greece. Visitors to this platform can virtually visit beaches, explore archaeological sites, listen to Greek music, and learn something new about Greek cuisine.

Stay safe, stay home: take care. Visit. Learn.

"It's time to stay at home and press the pause button. In these uncertain times, your health and the well-being of your loved ones are the most important. But that doesn't mean we have to stop connecting, being inspired, and learning - perhaps more than ever before. Here, we share our love for Greece - we share incredible things on our channel and allow you to experience the best of Greece right away. Dreaming is half the vacation," says Greece From Home!

The platform is available in Greek and English.