Tui Travel boss Peter Long today met the Greek prime minister to discuss the growth plans by the group including a 10% rise in capacity for 2014.
Europe’s largest travel group spends more than €500 million a year on purchasing services in the Greek tourism industry and plans to extend the summer season is selected resorts.
Tui will also be opening new hotels in Rhodes and Crete and creating additional job opportunities across the entire value chain through subsidiaries and suppliers.
Long said after meeting Antonis Samaras that he commended the Greek premier on his strategy “to accelerate the growth in this dynamic and high potential industry”.
He said: “Greece has seen an impressive recovery in 2013 and in 2014 we will increase the number of our customers enjoying a holiday in this destination to some 2 million – an increase of nearly 10% over this year.
“We believe these numbers will continue to grow as we develop more unique holiday experiences for our customers.
“Following the troubles last summer, Greece has put its economic woes behind it and is looking towards a future of growth in which tourism will undoubtedly play a large part.
“By investing in the country’s main gateways’ infrastructure, such as airports and ports, as well as improving road networks, the Greek government can ensure tourism will remain a key driver of the economy.
“Supporting Greece and its government, we will be jointly exploring the extension of the season in selective destinations, we will continue to invest in resorts, not only through direct investment in new hotels but also by supporting our hotel partners as we secure our accommodation.”