- Title: EUROZONE-GREECE/TOURISTS Tourists in Greece witness historic referendum
- Date: 5th July 2015
- Summary: ATHENS, GREECE (JULY 5, 2015) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF PARLIAMENT TOURISTS STANDING OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT
- Embargoed: 20th July 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Greece
- Country: Greece
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA1HG6RME1IOAMZD06Q1S271PBY
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Tourists visiting Greece on Sunday (July 5) were perhaps gearing up for a holiday to remember, as they became witnesses to the crucial day in which Greeks were voting in a referendum on the terms of a bailout.
The vote could determine the country's future in Europe's common currency.
In central Athens, the presidential guard did change, one tradition which ironically is following the rhythm of normal life outside the parliament which has in recent days seen tens of thousands of people rallying for and against Europe.
On Sunday, throngs of tourists looked on, many unfazed by the current economic and political crisis in the country, but said they hoped the country would soon find a successful solution.
"If they are out of the eurozone it is bad for everybody. It's bad for Germany, it's bad for France, it's bad for Greece, so I hope they vote yes," said Lucia, a tourist from Bolivia.
"I think the referendum is a good idea. I think the population of Greece should decide on their future and I think it's part of the negotiation process. So, whatever the result is today, I think they will continue in the European Union. If it's a 'No', they will have more power to negotiate, if it's a 'Yes', they will have less," Riccardo from Spain told Reuters.
"I feel that whatever this outcome, I just hope Greece can really come out of this in a way where it can one again become a nation everyone is proud of. As an Australian Greek, I really do wish that we can come back to this country one day and there is non of this and it's all sorted out," said Steve, from Melbourne, Australia.
On the island of Naxos, the weather was warm and many visitors said they wanted Greece to stay in Europe, whilst understanding the people's anger.
Norwegian tourist, Espen, who has Greek connections, said he supported those who stood up to the creditors' demands for more austerity.
"I hope that they actually say 'No', today, I hope that they could together, make their economy better and I don't think package for more money will bring them closer to that, and we are going to stay here, we are going to support the Greeks, and do what we can, and hopefully Greek people will join together and form good economic progress," he said.
Greeks are angry and exhausted after five years of pension cuts, falling living standards and rising taxes.
The Greek government has said that tourists should not be affected by the capital controls operating in the country since June 28 which limit money withdrawals to 60 euros per day - a measure adopted to prevent the collapse of the banking system after the announcement of the referendum.
Hotel associations have said they saw quite a number of cancellations and that the number of last minute bookings had slumped.
Danish visitor Frederick said he was not worried.
"Yes, yes, we would have arrived, whatever may happen. Of course, if the airport should close down or something like that, it will be difficult, but we wanted to travel to Greece," said Frederick from his deckchair in Naxos.
Although hotels in central Athens have been fully booked in recent days, representatives of the tourism sector have expressed anxiety about a potential reduction of cash flow as a consequence of the financial measures. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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