Media Intelligence Report

Saturday, 10 May
Sunday, 11 May

COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
Publication: ETHNOS TIS KIRIAKIS
Date: May 11, 2008

Headline: Gloomy prospects for tourism...

• Summary
Economic recession globally, euro-dollar
currency, the high-cost Greek market and
Olympic Games together with the European
football championship are the main reasons
foreshadowing loss of tourism profits for
Greece this summer. To date, tourism traffic
has dropped by 1.4% compared to 15.2 million
arrivals last year, whereas tour operators ask
for lower prices and even cancel bookings.
Decline in bookings from major tourism ‘tanks’,
namely England and Germany reach 8% and
5% respectively and 10% from America. Over
the last years, performance indexes are
running low: arrivals rose only 5.4% in 2006
compared to +9.6% in 2005 and earnings
increased 4% in 2005 and only 0.44% in 2006.
Even Greek tourists are affected by recession
and they are expected to make short-term
holidays at minimum possible cost this
summer.
Publication: TO ARTHRO TIS KIRIAKIS
Date: May 11, 2008

Headline:Aris, the Emir: Tourism Minister

visiting Dubai

• Summary
Tourism Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos made a
loud presence at the Arabian Travel Market,
targeting the turn to more high-profile visitors
in Greece. Although the Minister said Dubai is
a model of economic and tourism growth, he
was not enthusiastic about the excessive
plutocracy and opulence. Yet, it should always
be a source of inspiration for the Greek tourism
market. Mr. Spiliotopoulos also announced the
abolishment of visa requirements for
diplomatic and special passports, thus
enhancing the advent of Arab capitals and
strengthening the relations of the two
countries. Moreover, the Managing Director of
Emirates announced that a new 200-plane
subsidiary will be established, including new
destinations to Greece and agreed with the
Greek Minister’s request for the first flights to
Crete and Rhodes.
Publication: APOGEVMATINI
Date: May 10, 2008

Headline: EU awarding ‘El. Venizelos’ airport

• Summary
The Athens International Airport received the
“GreenBuilding Partner Award 2008” by the
European Commission for its impressive
improvement in energy performance of the
building premises in the frame of the voluntary
European program “GreenBuilding”. In 2006,
the A.I.A. saved 3,750 MWh and 2,921 MWh in
2007 despite the large increase in passenger
traffic.
Publication: ETHNOS
Date: May 10, 2008

Headline: The fate of OA in Italian hands

• Summary
Mr. Tajani, the new Transport Commissioner, is
bound to expand on the policy he is going to
follow, his duties including the critical file of
the Olympic Aviation denationalisation
scheme. Hence, he is the new contact person
with Greek Minister K. Hatzidakis, both men
already well-acquainted. Apart from the Greek
national flagship, the new Commissioner will
have to deal with the problems of Alitalia,
which is on the verge of bankruptcy.