Guardian
June 20, 2011
The economy is tanking. The government is on the brink. The treasury is fending off market vigilantes and credit downgrades. The capital is seething with protest by day, desolate and derelict by night.
But as far as tourism is concerned Greece is not merely open for business, it is expecting a bumper year. And for visitors this summer, the country promises to be one giant bargain.
Hydra is a case in point. The hydrofoils and ferries across the Saronic Gulf to the island are packed.
"Hydra is as popular as it has ever been," says mayor Angelos Kotronis, seated before an array of oil paintings conjuring the glory of the island's seafaring past. "Our hotels are full, our shops are full, the boats are full. We're not complaining."
Tourists who might have headed to north Africa have instead opted for the Greek islands. With arrivals set to rise by at least 10%, the sector has become the sole bright light on a landscape darkened by an otherwise epic battle with the country's debts.
"It feels good to be here supporting locals economically," says Faye Delano, an American visitor, standing on Hydra's famous horseshoe-shaped harbour. "They need the money."
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