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Fears of Greek clampdown on holidaymakers unfounded

Fears of a statewide clampdown on holidaymakers in Greek resorts are unfounded.


British operators have denied Greek authorities are cracking down on  the actions of holidaymakers this summer after some British tourists were arrested for dressing up as nuns earlier this week.


The 17 men, aged 18 to 65, spent a night in a prison cell after being charged with “scandal and misrepresentation of a costume of uniform.” They have now returned to the UK.


Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides said he had been surprised that the 17-strong group had been thrown in the cells for the night before appearing in court the next day. The case was dropped when no one testified against the group.


The local police chief pledged not to tolerate “pandemonium” anymore.


Lambrianides said he was unaware of any state-drive crackdown. “It took us by surprise, we’re not aware of any special measures (being introduced) to control people’s behaviour in any shape or form,” he said.


Sunvil Holidays travel consultant Justin Blaza added: “As far as I am aware it was an isolated incident.”


Greek National Tourism Office director Sophia Panagiotaki added there is no official clampdown although the police would continue to target tourists who behave excessively badly.


She added: “The role of the police is to keep order and make sure all the tourists visiting Greece have a happy time.”

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