Statistics

Rise in UK visitors to Greece in 2016

Greece received 206,000 UK visitors between January and April 2016, an increase of nine per cent compared to the same period in 2015, according to the latest figures from the Bank of Greece. During April 2016, there were 99,000 UK visitors to Greece, up 12 per cent compared to April 2015.

Greek airports handled 13.6 million passengers between January and May 2016, an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2015, according to data released by the Civil Aviation Authority. For more information, please see here. 

Greece is third most popular cruise destination

Greece has maintained its ranking as the third most popular cruise destination in Europe, with 4,176,500 passenger visits - a 13.3 per cent market share. Santorini, Piraeus, Mykonos, Corfu and Katakolon were the most visited ports in 2015. The cruise industry contributes over 188 million euros annually to the Greek economy according to the latest report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). For more information, please see here.

Destination News

New Jet2 routes to Rhodes and Crete

Jet2 has announced two new flight routes to Greece for summer 2017 with departures to Crete (Heraklion) and Rhodes. The flights will depart from Birmingham Airport, which has been announced as Jet2's eighth UK base. For more information, please see here.

• Flights to Crete will operate twice weekly with one way flights from £78 and Jet2Holidays breaks from £279.
• Flights to Rhodes will operate twice weekly with one way flights from £78 and Jet2Holidays breaks from £279.

Awards

Porto Carras scoops five awards at 'Luxury Spa Awards'

Halkidiki's Porto Carras Grand Resort scooped five awards for its thalassotherapy and spa centre at the 'World Luxury Spa Awards 2016'. The resort cemented its position as one of the finest spas in Europe by winning 'Best Hotel Spa', 'Best Beauty Spa', 'Best Destination Spa', 'Best Day Spa' and 'Best Golf Resort Spa'.

The spa and hotel has a VIP spa suite that offers a wide range of Elemis treatments, physiotherapy and hydro-physiotherapy sessions in heated seawater, a relax room, manicures, pedicures and a hair salon with sea views. The resort also offers a new 'Wine Spa' treatment package for 2017 including local produce. (www.portocarras.com) 

Greek Gastronomy Celebrated at Gastronomos Awards

Greek magazine Gastronomos celebrated its 10th anniversary with the 9th addition of the 'Quality Awards', which celebrate Greek restaurants, produce and chefs. The Thalassaki restaurant in Tinos was awarded 'Best Restaurant', while the Damaskinoelies Ainatzoglou olive oil producer, the Gasparakis cheese company and the wineries of Gavalas and Kechri were also recognised. (www.VisitGreece.gr)

New Openings

New Domus Renier Hotel opens in Chania

A brand new boutique hotel, the Domus Renier, has opened its doors in the heart of the old Venetian Port of Chania on the island of Crete. Located on the seafront, the building was once home to the family of Venetian nobles Renier in the 15th century. The hotel has nine luxurious rooms and suites designed by renowned architects Aristomenis and Giorgos Varoudakis. Most rooms have Jacuzzis and views of the lighthouse. The Domus Renier also offers Cretan cuisine with authentic dishes created by Chef Vassilis Sikalias. (www.domusrenier.gr)  

Adults-only hotel opens on Crete

Marriot International has opened its second hotel on the island of Crete, the adults-only Domes Noruz in Chania. Opening on 15 July 2016, the five star hotel is part of Marriot's 'Autograph Collection' and has 83 rooms and suites. The hotel offers uniques experiences such as helicopter rides to the breathtaking Samaria Gorge - a UNESCO World Heritage site - private yoga sessions and spa therapies. The hotel also boasts a high-end gastronomy experience overseen by award-winning chef, Doxis Bekris. (www.domesnoruz.com)

Two new hotels open in the Cyclades

Ahead of the summer season, the Cyclades has welcomed two new hotels to its portfolio. On Paros, right on the beach of Mikri Santa Maria, is the Seven Santa Maria. Opened on a pilot basis last summer, the boutique seaside hotel is now a permanent fixture and has rooms for couples and families, as well as a guest house with four bedrooms. The hotel offers bespoke boat trips visiting remote beaches and the nearby islands of Mykonos and Syros. Spa treatments are also available including Ayurvedic massages and neo-craniosacral therapy. (www.sevensantamaria.com)

The Naxian Utopia villas and suites resort is a new arrival on the island of Naxos. Located 2km from the island's capital Hora and 500m from Agios Prokopios, the island's most popular beach, the resort has five villas and four suites, blending traditional elements with modern design. The resort has its own elegant restaurant, sauna facilities and offers organised cruise tours and the charter of a helicopter of private jet. (www.naxianutopia.com)

New boutique Hotel opens in Athens

Athens' resurgent hotel scene continues to grow with the opening of The Zillers Hotel in the capital. The hip, boutique accomodation will open in July and is found within a neoclassical-style building designed by architect Ernst Ziller on Mitropoleos Street between Syntagma and Monastiraki Squares. The hotel also has a roof garden serving creative cuisine under the supervision of chef Konstantina Faklaris and cocktails overlooking Athens Cathedral. (www.thezillersathens.gr)

-Ends-

For further press information, please contact: Tim Thackray, Lotus UK, T: 020 7953 7470 E: Tim@wearelotus.co.uk or Panos Papadopoulos, Greek National Tourism Organisation, GNTO UK & Ireland Office, T: 020 74959311, E: pr@gnto.co.uk