Greek holiday market 'performing well'

The holiday market in Greece has been showing signs of growth this year, a government spokesman has revealed.

George Nikitiades, the deputy minister of culture and tourism, said the country is "doing well" and receiving positive messages from its various regions.

All major source markets have been showing an increase in demand for travel to different parts of Greece, giving rise to the possibility that the traditional holiday season could be extended.

"The message is that tourism is going very well this year in Greece and we hope that we will … again [be] one of the basic stakeholders of the tourism market," said Mr Nikitiades.

He added: "Greece has always been [a] tourist destination for millions all over the world."

Cheap holidays to Greece could prove a popular option among British travellers in particular, as the tourism industry is focusing its efforts on regaining the share of the UK market that was lost during the economic downturn.