This week Greece lifted COVID-19 restrictions for foreign and domestic flights as it prepares for a tourist season that it hopes will see this crucial sector bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, with 14 direct flights to Athens, Greece is expecting to see a record number of Americans visit the country. Greece's Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias joins Thanos Davelis today to talk about the role of tourism in the US-Greece bilateral relationship, Greece’s expectations for this summer, and the efforts to make tourism a significant year round enterprise for Greece.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

Greece lifts COVID curbs for travelers ahead of key summer season

Ambassador Pyatt’s Remarks: U.S.-Greece Tourism Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony

Greece, Bulgaria say new LNG terminal will help cut reliance on Russia

PM hails ‘new energy gateway’ at LNG terminal project launch in northern Greece

Greek price ceiling on electricity

Support measures worth 4.34 billion euros this year