Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura rejected press reports alleging that holidaymakers arriving in the country will face many difficulties, including empty ATMs.

“These reports in the foreign press, which aim at preventing tourists from travelling to Greece, lack seriousness and substantiation and do not reflect reality,” she said. “Greece always welcomes visitors in the best possible conditions and offers them traditional Greek hospitality,” the minister said.

Commenting on tourist bookings at a recent Economist Conference, Kountoura said major international tour operators have extended the holiday packages offered for Greece to 210 days from 185 days previously.