Greece is the fourth most popular destination in Europe

Greece is the fourth most popular tourist destination in the EU in 2010, according to EU Eurobarometer poll was published. First popular tourist destination in the EU is Spain followed by Italy and France. When asked, "Where you intend to go on holiday in 2010, 8.3% replied in Spain, Italy 6.1%, 5.8% in France and 3.9% in Greece. According to the survey, in 2010 76% of Greeks intend to make tourism in Greece, while only 2% plan to visit Italy and Germany. The criteria for the choice of tourist destination for Greeks are the local environment and beauty (37% versus 32% for Europeans), cultural heritage (26% versus 25% for Europeans) and entertainment (19% versus 16% for Europeans). The majority of Greeks organize their own holidays and trips (79%), compared with 58% of Europeans. In travel agencies addressed only 9% of Greeks to organize their holidays, compared with 23% of Europeans. Finally, according to the survey, travel is more popular among Norwegians (84%), the Finns (83%) in the Netherlands (79%) and Irish (78%).

Join their forces and Olympic Air Aegean Airlines

Their wings are joining Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines [AGNr.AT] to create a strong air-National Champion-who can meet the conditions of intense competition developed in the aviation market.

The official announcement of the merger of two companies was quoted yesterday by the Aegean to absorb the Olympic Air and Marfin Investment Group (MIG) to get approximately equal number of shares as the shares will have the family Vassilakis, while companies and Olympic Olympic Handling Engineering will become 100% subsidiaries of the new format.

The name of the Olympic will be maintained in the new company and was "heavy paper" trading and accompanied by international agreements for services at best hours, such as having all the major airlines in the world.

The Greek real estate is recovering

A contrary view to the general global trend experienced in 2009 investment in the Greek property market, according to a report by RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors).

Investment activity around buildings strengthened to 70% of countries worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2009, following the trend that had emerged at the beginning of the second half of the year.

Countries that were waged by China and Brazil, where 58% and 61% of respondents showing an increase of sales and purchases real estate income, such as office buildings and shops, to the corresponding rates of 29% and 47% last year. As the report of the RICS, the lowest interest rates and higher returns on real estate have led more and more investors back into the market. At the same time encouraging sign is the growth in demand from tenants in a number of areas around the world. This shows, inter alia, in most developing countries, that much of Latin America, Europe and Asia.

The fact is that in most Western European markets, the investment interest was significantly improved in the last quarter of the year, which resulted from the increased number of bids received per property. In this regard, the largest recovery made purchases in the Netherlands and Italy, while in Italy, Switzerland and Cyprus, the trend remained downward. Deterioration continued to record as Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Turkey.

Source: http://portal.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_tile2_8_12/02/2010_323735

Scorpions at Patra, Greece

Panic prevails recently in the city of Patras, upon hearing the news that the world-renowned hard rock band The Scorpions, will open this year's events in the International Festival of Patras 2010.

The Scorpions concert scheduled for June 9 in Patras Stadium.

The German band that started the long march in the global music scene in Hanover, chosen after 45 years, to complete the course with this farewell concerts in many parts of the world. In Greece, one of the stations will be Patras.

Source: www.thebest.gr

12o Money Show Patras

Another major event will held at Patras Greece the days 21 and 22 of November in Hotel «Astir». In the run enters its preparation conference Development Forum 2009 / 12th Patras Money Show.

The Thematic axis of the conference this year is "The Power of Alternative “, Economic and Business operation, the environment, the Administration, the Education and Research in Health, the Social Area, Culture and Sport.

The conference - Report Development Forum / Money Show Patras, organized annually by the Consultant EIA has now become one of the top developmental events in the region, and attracts thousands of visitors, major personalities, institutions, organizations and businesses that find a free forum and a field and create synergies.

Homes for sale in Greece

According to an international survey in the next couple of years it is estimated that over 1 million vacation homes will be bought in Greece by foreigners. This means that over 150 billion euros will be pumped into the economy. It is expected that the bulk of the investors will be from Great Britain.

In the last year, and despite the irregularities in the world economy, it is estimated that over 35,000 pieces of real estate properties were purchased by British nationals abroad.
Greek Real Estate has no fears, the banks continue to have a steady cash flow and lend money out to investors of status with low interest rates. Greece has many types of real estate properties on the market, and with this in mind investors will find just what they are looking for and in the location they desire.

Tourism in Greece is the steady factor for growth and development, and it is something that the government has invested a lot of money into, in my opinion well spent euros.
We must note that Greece offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. There are over 2,500 islands, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, ski resorts, the traditional villages and the modern cities, the archeological sites that are all over this country, and let’s not forget the food.

In Greece we have a saying “Buy land it is money in the bank”. In my opinion it is a wise saying, property never loses its value especially when the property is in Greece.

Greece, a safe option for Overseas Property Investors

Due to financial times many investors are looking to Greek property rather than stocks and shares and Greece is heading the charts for European Property Buyers. Greece is offering the safest option with a healthy banking structure.

With the global financial market in turmoil, knowing where to invest your money isn't as straightforward as it used to be. Stocks and shares are more volatile now than over the past couple of decades,and banks are collapsing throughout the world.

While the credit crunch are spreading far and wide there are safe havens waiting to be exploited.
Greece is one of the European countries to be guaranteeing all deposits in its banking system at the moment, and The Telegraph recently reported the country was at the heart of a new financial Europe.

Greece's own economy is one of the fastest growing in the Euro-zone, with the country enjoying a sustained economic boom post 2000, including a significant expansion in construction and engineering. Greece is at the hub of the new emerging markets, including the Balkans, and Greek banks have been among the top performers in the EU banking sector, flourishing at home, where they have profited from a surge in the freed-up loans market.Economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis recently argued that Greece is better placed than most European countries to weather this storm.

“Greece's economy, due to reforms that took place in previous years and the dynamic it has developed, is more resilient than other European countries in this extremely difficult international environment,” he said.This new financial popularity isn’t restricted to the banking sector. Investors that have had their fingers burned by the global stock markets are wary with their funds. Stocks and shares are ultimately worth as much as someone will pay for them, and in this current climate, that amount isn’t nearly the guaranteed outcome it used to be. Where can traditional stock market investors look to place their funds and weather the storm?The answer isn’t a new one; Property. Unlike stocks and shares, property is a tangible asset. It’s not only about investing for the gain, it’s about bricks and mortar. Purchasing property is a very real investment that stands the test of time. Property values peak and trough, but your investment buys you other options.

The rental market is rapidly expanding with high-end luxury property at the forefront of this demand. However, the UK market has witnessed its peak, so the key is where to find that next rising market.Perhaps not unsurprisingly, Greece’s property market is one of the few in Europe to see an increase in values. Strong demand from sun-seeking Northern Europeans added to the thriving local demand. At the beginning of August of this year the Greek authorities said the recent increase in property sales is just the beginning. "Demand for luxury homes within complexes is constantly rising," said Giorgos Souflias, the country's public works minister.Greece is a unique country, half of its territory consists of mainland, with its remaining half consisting of a scattering of islands.

Each island has its own character quirks and charms, some tranquil, some lively, and each has its own property microclimate. "The islands have something for everyone, and they are close to home for Europeans, so foreign interest is strong," said Yannis Perrotis, head of CB Richard Ellis-Atria real estate consultants in Athens.Samos is a beautiful and charming island situated a stone’s throw from Turkey in the south eastern corner of Greece’s territory. Renowned as the birthplace of Pythagoras and for its nectar wine, Samos is a verdant island paradise brimming with quaint character. It also benefits from direct UK flights and a thriving domestic market, boosting rental demand all year round.But despite high occupancy levels, a faithful customer base and increasing international demand, there is one area where the island falters and that is it’s lack of five star accommodation.

In answer to this demand Halcyon Developments are constructing the first luxury five-star marina resort on the island. Halcyon Hills Luxury Resort & Spa has a selection of village-style properties ranging from apartment suites to villas. Off-plan property prices average just €3,500 per square metre.On the popular Aegean islands of Paros, Naxos, Rhodes and Crete, prices can reach €7,000 per square metre. Therefore it is perfectly feasible to assume these prices on completion of the Halcyon Hills Resort, if not more.Investing in property during these tumultuous times is an assured way of placing your funds into a solid asset. Property is a tangible investment that can be fully utilised during your ownership. Not only is your investment secure but purchasing off-plan property means your investment will accrue value during the course of the two-year build time. Once complete, your property is guaranteed an eight per cent rental return for a period of two years.Shrewd investors recognise the opportunities during these tough financial times.

Your money can be as safe as houses if invested in bricks and mortar, all you need do is weather the storm in the right place, because the only certainty in this market is, it will improve.For more see: http://www.goldacreestatesgreece.com/eng/property/new-details.asp?ID=55

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