Tourism delivers hopes for Greece

As Greece's debt woes continue, traffic to the region is on the rise as travellers look to stretch their dollar further.

Greece has been the subject of hot debate in recent months as its economy falters and credit rating disintegrates amid the European soverign debt crisis.

But despite violent protests and unrest, the country's tourism industry is thriving as tourists flock to the region in hunt of a bargain.

Tempo Holidays has recorded strong bookings for its Greece itineraries in the first half of 2012, while Creative Holidays has also seen a spike in bookings as Australian customers look to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate.

Creative Holidays managing director Paul McGrath credited the trend to the value Australians can get out of a European holiday.

"Europe is very attractive to Australian travellers right now, and Greece is a fantastic value proposition at the moment," he told Travel

Today. "Greece may have had a tough time, but interest in Greece is thriving."

With new Greek itineraries on offer in 2012, McGrath is confident the trend will continue, but also expects travel to traditional European destinations will continue strongly.

"London, Rome and Paris are high points for Australian travellers and will continue to be a strength this year," he said.