Property Wire

Greece voted the 'Top Place To Go in 2009' by Flight Centre

Greece has been ranked in poll position in Flight Centre's 'Top 10 Where To Go in 2009' list.

Based on the data revealing the destinations that have grown in popularity over the last year, Greece has been voted top thanks to its offering of "an affordable holiday, delicious food at reasonable prices, cheap sailing, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages... and little islands full of scenic surprises".

This recent accolade adds to the commendations that the country has received in recent months, with it also having done remarkably well in the World Travel Awards 2008, attaining awards for Europe's Leading Beach Resort; Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel; Europe's Leading Spa Resort; and Europe's Leading Conference Resort.

With these top awards increasing the appeal of the beautiful country, it is clear to see why the latest World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report has also been mightily favourable for Greece. Figures for Travel & Tourism Economy GDP growth have shown a likely 3.7% for 2008, with an average 3.9% increase predicted annually for the next ten years. These figures show that Greece is a popular market, with an increasing tourist market. Irini Tzortzoglou, Head of Retail Banking for Piraeus Bank UK, who offers mortgages on Greek properties, agrees,
"Greece has always been an extremely popular choice for traditional holidays but more recently residential tourism has been gaining ground fast. The latest list of accolades achieved by the country has further still increased its popularity as one obvious but still fairly unexplored overseas property market. Accolades such as the one bestowed by the readers of Voyage magazine who voted Greece as 'Best Worldwide Destination' at the 2008 International Tourist and Cultural Festival in Bejing-Chaoyang are adding to the interest Greece has been recently attracting.

"In the current economic climate it is encouraging to see such positive news announced from the travel and tourism sector. Greece is a firm favourite, and it looks likely to stay that way. There are many synergies between the travel and property industries and even if current economic conditions cast some doubt as to the absolute number of visitors expected next year, the popularity of the country is growing both as a tourism and second home destination. Piraeus Bank UK is very pleased to be in a financially secure position to assist those buyers with finance to purchase their Greek homes.