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2. Background
Tourism in Greece has been a key element of the economic activity in the country, and is one of the country's most important sectors. Greece has been a major tourist destination and attraction in Europe since antiquity, for its rich culture and history, which is reflected in large part by its 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among the most in Europe and the world as well as for its long coastline, many islands, and beaches. The Egremnoi sand beach in the Greek island of Lefkada, noted for its blue crystal waters, is a popular tourist destination.

Greece attracted 26.5 million visitors in 2015 and 30 million visitors in 2016, making Greece one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world, and contributing 18% to the nation's Gross Domestic Product.Its capital city Athens, as well as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and Chalkidice are some of the country's major tourist destinations.

In recent years, Greece has also promoted religious tourism and pilgrimages to regions with a significant historical religious presence, such as the monasteries in Meteora and Mount Athos, in cooperation with other countries.

Land and Climate
Greece has a Mediterranean climate along its coasts and islands. Once inland, many areas and cities experience a continental climate.[8] A cool Alpine climate is found within the mountainous areas of the interior. Along the north-central and north-eastern interior of Greece, a continental climate can the cause of cold winters and warm, humid summers in this region.

Summers are usually hot and dry, while winters are cold and wet. Northern Greece can experience very cold winters, while Southern Greece and the islands experience more mild winters. [9]

History
Tourism in Greece traces its roots to ancient times. Cultural exchange took place between the Greek colonies of Magna Graeca and the young Roman Republic before Rome's rise to dominance of the Western Mediterranean. When Greece was annexed by the Roman Empire centuries later, the cultural exchange that started between the two civilization triggered as a result a large number of Romans visiting the famous centers of Greek philosophy and science, such as Athens, Corinth and Thebes, partly because Greece had become a province of the Roman Empire and Greeks were granted Roman citizenship.

Tourism in modern-day Greece started to flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, in what became known as mass tourism.During that time, large-scale construction projects for hotels and other such facilities were undertaken and the country saw an increase in international tourists over the years. International events such as the 2004 Summer Olympic Games and the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, both held in Athens, greatly helped to boost tourism in the country, while large-scale nationally funded cultural infrastructure such as the New Acropolis Museum also contributed to the flow of tourists in the country. Thessaloniki was the European Youth capital in 2014.

Population
The population of Greece is currently just above 11.14 million people. This is roughly .15% of the total world population today, ranking 79th in the world.

The median age in Greece is 43.7 years. The birthrate in Greece is unfortunately declining due to families not being able to afford to have children. In the past 4 years alone, hospitals say there has been a 10% decrease in the number of births. Greece has the highest unemployment rate (28%) in the Eurozone, making it likely the birthrate will continue to decline and the median age continue to rise.

Athens, Thessaloniki, Patri, and Piraeus have the largest population sizes in Greece.

Government
Greece is led by a Parliamentary Republic. The President, currently Prokopis Pavlopoulos is Head of State. The Prime Minister, currently Alexis Tsipras, is Head of Government. The Ministerial Council is the decision-making body that constitutes the Government of Greece.

Parliament and the President of the Republic make up the Legislative Branch, the President of the Republic and Government makes up the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Power is given to the courts of law. Parliament, a body of 300 individuals, is elected by the people

Economy
Greece has the 48th largest economy in the world via GDP, and 56th largest in the world via purchasing power, as of 2016. Greece is a developed country. The economy is based on the service (82.8%) and industrial sectors(13.3%). The agricultural sector contributed 3.9% of national economic output in 2015.

Greece is classified as an advanced, high-income economy, and was a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). The country joined what is now the European Union in 1981.

Thanks to the guardianship of Greece's international creditors, the country has begun to restore macroeconomic stability. Even with this help however, Greece continues to confront a massive burden of debt due to nearly a decade in economic crisis.

Language
Greek is the national official language, and is the native language for the majority of the population. Modern Greek originates from Medieval Greek, with many regional dialects found around the country. Albanian is the largest minority spoken tongue within Greece.

English is included in the Education system of Greece, allowing 48% of the population to speak it. English speakers will have little to no problem communicating while visiting Greece.

German (9%), French (8.5%), and Italian (8%) are other primary foreign languages in Greece

Religion
98 % Greek Orthodox, 1.3% Muslim, 0.7% Other. The Greek Orthodox Church plays a major part in Greek Society due to the high percentage of the population practicing. The young population is not as devout as the older generations, although they still turn to the church for important holidays and rituals.

Food & Drink
Due to Greece's location, influences from surrounding countries may be found in the cuisine.

You are likely to come upon many street carts and street restaurants while in Greece. The Gyro, Souvlaki, skordhalia, and Tzatziki are all commonly found in these restaurants. Olive Oil is the base of most dishes in Greece. Seasonings, herbs, and many fresh ingredients are also common in this Mediterranean diets.

Common Foods in Greece
The following are dishes typically found in Greece:

Moussaka - Casserole of layered eggplant and spiced meat, topped with Bachamel sauce.

Baklava - Greek pastry made from phyllo dough, cinnamon-nut filling, then covered in a sweet syrup.

Horta Vrasta - A dish of boiled leafy greens, served with olive oil and lemon juice.

Taramasalata - blend of pink/white fish roe, potato or bread, with olive oil and lemon. a fish roe dip; a paste

Dolmades - grape leaf-wrapped rice. May include mincemeat, thyme, dill, fennel, oregano, or pine nuts for flavoring.

Courgette Balls (kolokythokeftedes) - made of grated/pureed courgette with a mixture of various spices. may be found in a patty or fried ball form.

Pork Souvlaki - Grill pork skewers marinated in a red wine then grilled.

Lambrospoma - Greek Easter Bread. Yeast bread flavored by orange and Mahlab

Tzatziki - Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce - cucumber dip flavored with garlic. Served with pita bread.

Octopus - may be ordered grilled, boiled, in a salad, and more. Kalamari and Soupia are often served in similar ways.

Horiatiki - The "Greek" Salad; fresh tomatoes, cucumber, onions, pepper, feta cheese, oil, and seasoning

Cover fee
You are likely to have a cover fee when visiting a restaurant in Greece. Expect €1 to €2.0 per person.

Wines & Drinks
Traditional drinks include ouzo, tsipouro, and wine. Ouzo, mixed with ice, is often paired with mezedes. Tsipouro is similar, with a stronger taste of anis.

Red, white, rose, sweet, dry, and other varieties of wine are available in Greece.

Water
The water in Greece is safe to drink out of the tap. However, bottled water is available as well.

Customs/Courtesies
Tradition is alive and well in Greece. The culture of Greece has evolved throughout time thanks to the architecture, drama, science, and philosophy born here.

The Family
The man is seen as the head of the household in Greece; they represent the family. The Women traditionally is the organizer of the household, and mediates during family disputes to help unify the family. Due to the closeness of the family, nepotism is common and acceptable; relatives may work together as they trust one another.

Superstitions
The Greek are superstitious as well as religious. These superstitions vary from region to region however. It is recommended finding out which superstitions are specific to the regions you visit.

Smoking
As of 2010 smoking in Greece is banned in all working places, transportation stations, in taxis and passenger ships, trains, buses, and airplanes, as well as in all enclosed public places including restaurants, night clubs, etc. . However, because Greece is home to some of the heaviest smokers in the world this law is not well implemented. You are likely to encounter many Greeks smoking in public areas.

Most holidays in Greece stem from a religious beginning. The following are commonly celebrated holidays in Greece:
New Years Day: January 1st; the Feat of Agios Vassilis. Families come together to cut the vassilopita - a bread with a hidden coin inside to bring its finder good luck.

Epiphany: January 6th; the feat of Agia Theofania. Waters are blessed and evil spirits are banished on this day

The Carnival: Apokries, 3 weeks of feasting and dancing prior to Lent.

Easter: Often seen as the most important holiday for the Greeks. Celebrations often go on for months, with Holy Week being the peak of activities.

Good Friday: Flags are set at half mast to recognize the sad event of the day. The procession of the Epitaphios of Christ occurs on Good Friday as well.

The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: August 15th; a feast celebrating Mary's ascent into Heaven.

The following are common National Days in Greece:
Greek Independence Day: March 25th

Labor Day: May 1st

National Anniversary: October 28th

Visa & Entry Requirements
Greece is a member of the European Union (EU). All EU nationals are welcome to Greece without a valid ID. Because Greece is also a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), citizens of states in the EEA that are not in the EU are also welcome without a valid ID. Such states include Norway, Iceland,and Switzerland.

Citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries are required to have a valid passport to enter. Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the United States, and others are allowed a 90-day visa-free stay.

Currency/ Currency Conversion
The official currency of Greece is the Euro (€).

MasterCard, Visa, and Eurocard are widely accept in stores, businesses, and transportation agencies across the country. Cash and hard money is recommended in less-touristy. ATMs and banks are available throughout the country to exchange foreign bills and withdraw money.

Bargaining
Bargaining is not a common practice in Greece. Bargaining is only acceptable in flea markets and markets. it is not tolerated in other instances.

Key Tourism Development
The main niche markets for Greece include historical tourism, archaeological tourism, and sun sea and sand tourism.

Greece is a popular destination for tourists looking to relax in favorable climate and enjoy the beach. It also offers many educational spots to visit as well.

Level of Tourism Development (e.g. hotels, infrastructure)
As a developed country highly dependent on tourism, Greece offers a wide variety of tourist facilities. Tourism infrastructure in Greece has been greatly improved since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and continues to expand with a number of important projects particularly in areas of less mass-tourism.

Hotels and conference facilities
The five-star Porto Carras Hotel and Resort in Halkidiki hosted the European Union leader's summit in 2003

The port and marina of Naupactus

Conference tourism, targeted at academic, business, or cultural markets, is a cornerstone of the Greek national tourism policy. As a result, the Greek government, with strong support from local authorities, has been offering lucrative cash grants, leasing and employment subsidies and tax allowances to establish new conference facilities and expand existing ones. In a recent report in Meeting and Incentive Travel, Greece was ranked eighth in the world in overnight stays for conferences. Figures from the Tourism Satellite Accounting Research, conducted by WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) project a worldwide increase in revenues in business travel to Greece from US $1.51 bn. in 2001 to US $2.69 bn. in 2011. In 1998, the figure stood at US $1.18 bn.

Greek Ferries
The most common transportation between Athens and the Greek islands is via ferry. Ferries depart from Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion in this area. Ferries also depart from Italy, western Greece, and Turkey to reach the Greek islands.

Cars
If traveling within mainland Greece, cars are a secure choice of transportation. The main road networks in Greece are well kept, however the regional roads need attention as they are usually narrow and winding. When within popular tourist areas, there should be multiple car rental agencies.

Trains
A common train route runs from Athens to Thessaloniki, and another connecting northern and central Greece. Train tickets are likely to be cheaper than a bus ticket, however these trains often are old and slow. These trains are run by OSE, but are limited.

Buses
KTEL are the official buses of Greece. The buses will be green in color, and connect Athens to various cities on the mainland. Keep in mind there is not an online booking system for these buses, although this is the most common mode of transportation on the mainland.

Foot Traffic
When visiting small villages, most will be best visited by foot.

The Acropolis
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Greece. Home of three Greek Temples, including the Parthenon. The Parthenon began construction in 443 BC, and was completed in 432 BC. This hilltop monument dominates the Athens skyline, showing off its ancient artitecture

The Acropolis Museum
Opened to the public in 2009, the museum is filled with findings from ancient Greece. The Moschophoros, Caryatids, and Parthenon Marbles are all located here. A cafe overlook the Acropolis is also located within the Museum.

Delphi Theatre
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Mount Parnassus. This site was the end destination to ancients coming to worship Apollo. Today it is filled with ruins and history dating back to the 2nd century. The Delphi Archaeological Museum nearby displays findings from the site.

Santorini
Home to the cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia. These villages are the classic Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings, adorning blue rooftops. Sunbathing, shopping, swimming, and eating are popular activities in this area. Akrotiri is also located on this island.

Mykonos
Dotted with hotels, seafood restaurants and music, Mykonos is well known for its nightlife. The island is also home to Paraportiani, as well as several sandy beaches.

Corfu Town
Located on the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece. The town was home to Venetians for centuries, allowing for Italian architecture to be seen. Two 16th-centruy fortresses and the arcaded Liston are located on this island.

Lindos
A medieval village on the island of Rhodes. Filled with cobbled streets, the acropolis allows visitors to view the coastline and surrounding harbors. Lindos beach and Saint Pauls beach are in this area as well.

Myrtos Beach
Known for the blue and turquoise colors of the sea and marble-pebble beach.

Mount Athos
Located at the easternmost leg of the Halkidiki peninsula, Mount Athos is home to 1,400 monks throughout 20 different Eastern Orthodox Monasteries.

Nafplio
Built upon a small peninsular on the east coast of Peloponeese. The town is filled with neo-classical mansion, churches, and the Palamidi Fortress. Near Tiryns, Epidaurus Theater, and Ancient Corinth.

Meteora Monasteries
Located in the Thessaly Plain, monasteries sit upon tall peaks. Inside the 6 open to the public visitors can view religious icons, Byzantine Frescoes, and incenses. These monasteries are near the town of Kalmbaka.

Samaria Gorge
10 mile long canyon in southwest Crete, located within the Samaria National Park. The hike goes through forests, cliffs, and near the sea over a 4-7 hour time span. The gorge runs from Omalos to Agia Roumali on the Libyan Sea.

Mystras
A town of medieval ruins dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Located near ancient Sparta.

Marinas
Greece has 51 marinas and 14,661 mooring places that provide such services as berths, fuel, water and electricity, telephony, and repairs.

Some of the most developed and busiest marinas in Greece are just a few kilometres from the centre of Athens. The marinas of Alimos and Flisvos, on the south coast of Athens, have an aggregated capacity of more than 1,800 vessels.

Spas and thermal springs
Greece has 752 thermosprings. Many have been classified as therapeutic by the National Institute for Geographical and Mineral Research. Several of them were known and exploited already since antiquity. Thermal or curative tourism was, after all, one of the earliest forms of tourism in the ancient world. In 1983 was founded the Hellenic Association of Municipalities with Thermal Springs [1 ] Some of these ancient "spa resorts" were situated in Aidipsos, known from the time of Aristotle,Loutraki, mentioned by Xenophon, Traianoupoli [2 ], founded by the emperor Trajan in the 2nd century A.D., whereas some others are attested in the Byzantine period, such as the Thermal baths of Langadas [3 ]. In the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th century these hot springs were surrounded by cosmopolitan facilities, namely hotels and restaurants, whereas several prominent members of the society of both the Modern Greek State and the Ottoman State (for regions still incorporated in it) invested in touristic infrastructure and private estates. Thermal tourism became particularly widespread in the 1960s and 1970s, whereas in the 1980s it was widely supported by a social tourism program, which subsidized large part of the expenses for the elderly users of the facilities. Nowadays, however, there is an urgent need to refurbish, restore and elevate these spas to modern standards and create an international clientele. Visitors, however, can already find high-standard touristic facilities in Pozar [4 ], in Aidipsos [5 ] and in Kamena Vourla [6 ], in Loutraki close to Corinth [7 ] as well as at Kaiafas, on the western shores of the Peloponnese [8 ]. A detailed List of spa towns in Greece can give an insight in the inexorable richness of thermal springs of the country. View of the town of Corfu

Museums
Several kinds of museums are located in the Hellenic Republic. Generally speaking, every major city and town in Greece has its own Archaeological Museum, which houses findings from the nearby area. However, most of them can be found in the big cities like Athens, where the famous New Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are located. Furthermore, there is a vast number of galleries like the National Gallery (Athens). There are many museums in Thessaloniki too, like the Byzantine Museum. Overall, there are approximately 150 museums all over the country which are easily accessible by tourists.

* Weather/Climate Concerns
At this time Greece does not have any major climate concerns.

Safety/Security Concerns (e.g. crime, health)
The US Department of State does not discourage American travelers from visiting Greece. It does however urge travelers to exercise caution and follow certain guidelines. Greece is particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks due to their coastlines and islands.

The State Department notes the following safety concerns: Overall, tourists are not usually targeted by organized criminals in Greece. However if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, be cautious. Do not venture out at night alone.
 * strikes and demonstrations are common, and may lead to violence
 * transportation strikes can affect your flights
 * violent anarchist groups
 * petty crimes against tourists

One of the most militant of the domestic terrorist groups is known as the Revolutionary Struggle. While these groups generally do not target tourists, the American Embassy, American and Greek businesses have been attacked. Therefore, tourists could become caught up in an attack, whether it was intended for them or not.

Environmental Concerns (e.g. air quality)
Greece's environment is currently dealing with issuese of air emissions from transport and electrical power stations Water resources are beginning to see an issue as well due to overexploitationand pollution - if the degradation of coastal zones continue, this issue is likely going to continue to become more pressing.

Greece is struggling for funding to help support their environmental agencies. It is hoped that EU regulations and international obligations will force consultation and encouragement of public participation, as well as education and environmental information that will increase public awareness.

Socio-cultural Concerns (i.e. cultural norms)
In 2010 the Greek government cut pension payments by more than 40% to help pay the country's debt. However, because this similar to Social Security, families are unable to support themselves off this. This is causing roughly 45% of Greek Retirees to live below the poverty line.