Turk tourists flock to Greek islands

BURSA - Doğan News Agency

The number of Turkish tourists visiting the Greek islands has increased. Hürriyet photo

Turkish tourists have begun to the Greek islands of Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios and Lesvos in the Eastern Aegean in record numbers after the Greek government moved to ease visa restrictions against non-EU citizens at its ports.

“The only breath of fresh air we have been able to breathe has been from the Turks,” said Aris Lazaris, a Lesvos ticket agent, who noted that the number of Turkish tourists to the island had increased 100 percent, while the number of other tourists had fallen by 50 percent. 

The same is true for Chios, according to hotel manager Petros Fengudakis. “Until last year Turks would only come for the day and visit the center of the island. Now we see Turkish visitors all over the island,” he said.