Greece’s tourism minister has used an appearance at World Travel Market to reassure visitors her country is safe following the deaths of two children in Corfu.
Fani Palli-Petralia told WTM delegates that, although the incident was a tragedy, Greece, and Corfu in particular, should not be blamed.
She and her officials view the carbon monoxide deaths of seven-year-old Christianne Shepherd and her brother Robert, six, as one-offs that should not affect the country’s tourism. The pair died while on a Thomas Cook half-term holiday last month.
Greek government inspectors are investigating the tragic circumstances which led to the poisoning at the Louis Corcyra Hotel and have threatened to shut the property permanently if management is held responsible.
A Thomas Cook employee who inspected the hotel is facing manslaughter charges, along with hotel staff. All face lengthy jail sentences if convicted.
Industry experts have warned that Greece could face a backlash in UK visitor numbers due to the incident.