Greece opens up to U.S. Tourism as Athens-New York route launched
02/22/2017
NEW YORK-ATHENS DIRECT FLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 5 YEARS
A major announcement, for aviation between the U.S.A. and the Balkans, has been made, with the news that Emirates will launch its Dubai-Athens-New York route, from March 12th.
A MAJOR BOOST FOR GREECE
It's fantastic news for the embattled Greek economy, as a direct route to New York has not existed since 2012. It also provides an alternative way to get to the US for other Balkan countries such as Bulgaria, Macedonia and other countries from the former Yugoslavia. It is hoped by all sides, that a direct route will bring much need investment from the U.S.A. and North America in general. The Greek economy sorely needs an injection of cash, as it endures yet another year of austerity.
But business aside, Greece is a great place to holiday, with its thousands of beaches, hundreds of islands, lively taverna nightlife, and incredible history. It is the cradle of modern civilization, and the opportunity to visit places such as the Acropolis, the Delphic Oracle, and Olympus,(without the hassle of long layovers) will not be missed by U.S. tourists.The new route brings the total of Emirates Dubai-New York daily services to five.The other four are direct Dubai-New York, flying into JFK.The new service flies into New York Newark, just across the river in New Jersey.
The initiative was at the behest of the Greek government and the Athens Airport authorities. It is hardly surprising since the U.S.A. is home to the largest community in the Greek diaspora with over 1.3 million people, the largest segment of which is in the New York City area. Additionally, the service opens up Greece to Arab tourism and the thousands of wealthy expats who live in the Gulf States.
NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY
However, while the announcement has been met with praise by the Greek government and the American Greek community, there has not been universal acclaim.American, Delta, and United Airlines have attacked Emirates new route as a violation of the Open Skies agreement with the U.S. government.The Gulf Airline have countered that the new route is within the spirit of the agreement as it connects another country via a service between the two nations (in this particular agreement Dubai and the U.S.A.). Emirates is noting, particularly, that no American airline operates a direct service to Athens anyway.
(There are 120 open sky agreements involving the U.S.A.). The next additional service is rumored to be via Budapest to New York.
SUMMARY
Greece is one of the world's most astounding destinations and let us hope that this flight will encourage many more people to explore its delights.
www.paylessflights.com will, of course, be supporting the new route by marketing it.Go to our website to see the best offers.