Greek stores will provide a 20 percent discount to tourists every year. For 2016, the “honored countries” will be Israel, Russia, Turkey and the US. Greek businesses accepted the proposal of Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas to promote commercial activities in the tourist season and reward the trust of foreign tourists, the president of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (ESEE) Vassilis Korkidis noted in a joint press conference with Mardas.
Aegean Airlines also took part in the press conference, since the program will be marketed with brochures on its flights. Mardas expects this initiative will boost Greek market, while Korkidis pointed out that tourists from these countries already enjoy tax exemption for purchases they make in Greece. The 20 percent discount is not associated with tax free since the discount is made directly in the shop. For 2017, the “honored countries” will be China, Iran, Western Balkans and the EU nations.
