Jaime LeeIn a recent address by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from the emblematic island of Santorini, he declared that Greece was ready to welcome tourists. He announced that safeguarding visitors’ health and safety was the utmost priority. With Greece’s official reopening in motion, Mitsotakis pledged his commitment to making Greece the safest destination in Europe.
Also read: Greece Officially Reopens Borders to Tourists from 29 Countries!
Tax cuts mean cheaper holidays for Greece-goers
But safety isn’t the only thing that the Greek government is promising to tourists; they’re enticing the world with tax cuts for cheaper holidays too! Earlier, Prime Minister Mitsotakis shared that Greece would be temporarily decreasing its value-added tax (VAT) from 24% to 13% on all types of public transport tickets.
This would include bus, ship, and air travel. This near-half temporary reduction in VAT on air travel is expected to translate into cheaper flights. The Greek government hopes that the move to push for cheaper flights helps to rebuild the country’s tourism.
Following this change, Mitsotakis remarked that he recognises the importance of cheaper travel and hopes that this would allow holidaymakers to enjoy low-cost summer holidays in one of the world’s dreamiest destinations. The announcement coincided with the start of Greece’s tourist season on 15 June 2020. Seasonal hotels opened for business on that day as well — a concrete sign that players in Greece’s hospitality industry are more than ready to welcome guests once more.
Also read: 17 Incredible Things to Do in Athens on Your First Visit
Simultaneously, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared that there would also be an expected reduction in the VAT on coffee products, non-alcoholic beverages, and tickets for summer open-air cinemas. This tax cut aims to revitalise popular leisure activities as well as the consumption of well-loved products. Moreover, Greece will be launching support programmes for domestic tourism soon as well.
Image credit: visitgreecegr
What awaits in Greece
We sure miss witnessing the beauty of the glorious sunset dipping beyond the whitewashed cliff-top towns in Santorini, as well as its mesmerising cerulean waters. Since Greece is reopening with tax cuts on transportation, why not experience the magic of this Hellenic nation by rail? Another idea is to try sightseeing tours by bus this season! You just might fall in love with Greece all over again.
Also read: Percy Jackson-Inspired Itinerary: Take A Look At This Grecian Tour!
Stay tuned for more updates as we look forward to visiting Greece soon! But most of all, let’s continue supporting our frontliners until the world sees the end of this pandemic.
