In addition to domestic travel, the introduction of on-arrival visa services for Turkish citizens traveling to the Greek islands from Türkiye began in April, promising to boost tourism significantly.
The service, currently available for five islands, has seen increased interest due to the Eid holiday season.
Kıvanç Meriç, the İzmir Director of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), anticipates a record number of Turkish visitors to the Greek islands this year, expecting 10-15 thousand visitors during the Eid holiday week alone, facilitated by the hassle-free visa process at the gates. (Ref: Hurriyet Daily News)
The Greek Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni, expressed her belief that this program will revitalize the development of the designated islands and contribute to their economic growth. By promoting tourism in these areas, Greece aims to create new opportunities for local businesses and residents. The influx of Turkish tourists is expected to generate increased revenue for hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourism-related establishments on the islands. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote tourism and drive economic growth in Greece, making it a win-win situation for both countries. Ref: ikamet.com
