Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-09-02

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't on '08 tourism figures

[01] Gov't on '08 tourism figures

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said the fact that tourist arrivals remained at last year's levels so far in 2008 was a success.

Spiliotopoulos said that according to figures published by the National Statistics Service, tourist arrivals at the country's major airports were up 3.0 pct this year and noted that July figures were unchanged at last year's levels.

He said Greece was among the winners of this year's global tourism market, with tourism foreign exchange inflows rising 8.5 pct in the period from January to June 2008.

The minister said tourist arrivals from Russia, Romania, Poland and Bulgaria surpassed one million visitors so far this year, with tourist arrivals from Russia up more than 40 pct compared with 2007. Cruise vessels arriving to Greek destinations was also more than 10 pct higher this eyar.

Spiliotopoulos said the ministry will work towards resolving chronic problems hindering tourism development and improving the quality of tourism services.

Caption: A file photo dated Tuesday, July 1, 2008, shows Greek Tourism Development Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos (R) with well-known US fashion designer and entrepreneur �my Hilfiger during a tour of the Acropolis in Athens. ANA-MPA / P. STOLIS.

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