A visit to the Greek capital, Athens, ensures an amazing and highly memorable journey to its ancient history, mythology, literature, poetry and arts.
Athens has always been the preferred destination for tourists from Arab and Gulf countries since the 1970s and 1980s, especially for newly-wed couples who were looking for the perfect place for their honeymoon.
Gulf Air has recently flown a team of journalists and travel agents from Bahrain and Kuwait to Athens in order to familiarize them with the flights offered by the company since it resumed its flights to the Greek capital in June in cooperation with the Hellenistic Travel and Tourism Authority "HTTA".
Gulf Air's initiative of conducting regular flights to Greece is a smart, praiseworthy initiative, as the trip to Athens takes no more than four hours.The land of humanity's archaeology, knowledge, philosophy in addition to its unique features akin to Middle Eastern culture is truly tempting and a genuine delight. The Greeks are naturally very hospitable and friendly.
According to the Greek legend on hospitality, Zeus, disguised as a stranger, visited the homes of Athenians to reward their good deeds, hospitality and amicable reception offered graciously to completely strange guests; however, those who failed these standards had their households afflicted by his wrath.
Greece boasts numerous attractions ranging from beautiful scenery and oriental and occidental gastronomy to generous Greek hospitality, hotels, shopping malls, unique flavours and friendly people.
A cruise across the serene and azure waters passionately surrounding the sunny idyllic islands with gorgeous beaches was a clever plan by Amal Al Gharibi, the Gulf Air communication specialist who impressively masterminded the trip, paying special attention to the slightest details.
Islands play a highly significant role in the everyday of Greeks and tourists. The country has 2,000 of them and allows tourists and people keen on a peaceful break and a relaxed vacation to visit 300. A stroll on Hydra island was the epitome of the cruise, giving journalists the chance to immerse in a captivating culture under a clement sky and a wonderful breeze. The architecture was unique and the numerous art galleries and museums in 18th-century mansions were impressive.
When the ship returned to the capital, Athens, and on the hotel's balcony overlooking a square, the delegation enjoyed a relaxing evening to the tunes of classic Greek music. Most of the journalists and travel agents immediately recalled the great sensation Zorba the Greek and his famous dance.
Tourism is a big business in Greece and Gulf Air through its direct flights is contributing to travelers from Bahrain to benefit from the advantages the Mediterranean country is offering.
According to Panos Livadas, the Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, more than 20 million tourists visited Greece in the 2013 and 2014, mainly from China, Europe and Russia, generating revenues of more than 22 billion euros.
In 2014, the revenues were 14 billion euros.
Tourism contributes around 50 per cent of the country’s GDP and, provides more than 700,000 job
Livadas said that his country has good diplomatic and trade relations and cooperation with Gulf countries.
Tourists from Gulf countries are always welcome by the friendly, peaceful Greek people, he said, as he highlighted the similarities between the Greek and Arab cultures, social customs, and gastronomy.
Regarding easing visa issuance for Gulf tourists, he said his country complies with the Schengen visa policy applicable in other European countries. He said that his country has opened offices to issue multi-trip visas in countries that provide large numbers of tourists.
For Gulf tourists, Greece remains a great option and there is no doubt that Gulf Air's direct flights to Athens provide an excellent link that could also be used to connect with flights from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East countries through Bahrain International Airport.
Gulf Air flights do provide an attractive opportunity to reconnect the beauty of Greece and the secret gems waiting to be discovered. It is much more than a country that is mentioned extensively in history books as it combines today attractive facilities, natural beauty and splendid weather.