Παρασκευή 21 Νοεμβρίου 2014

Holidays in Greece: a history in tourism posters.



For intrepid early romantics on their Grand Tours to the18 million travellers expected to visit this year, Greece has long been one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. These posters, marking 100 years of what is now the Greek National Tourism Organisation, highlight its winning combination of culture, charm and sunshine!!
Greece 1920s In 1922, Greece’s Bureau of Foreigners and Exhibitions is upgraded to a ‘Service’. In that year, under the heading Independent Travel without Trouble, Thomas Cook’s Traveller’s Gazette begins: ‘Let us suppose one is desirous of taking wife or family for a tour on the continent …’
Greece 1934 In 1936, the Greek National Tourism Organisation is abolished by prime minister Ioannis Metaxas. He orders all houses on the Cycladic islands be whitewashed – for hygiene but also because he believed it made them more picturesque.
Greece 1940s_2 









 In 1941, tourism is transferred to Greece’s ministry of national economy, where a directorate of spa towns and tourism is created, despite the second world war raging. At the end of the war, a secretariat general for tourism is established. 
 Greece 1949_01This 1949 poster is from the time of the Marshall Plan, which provided US aid to Europe after the second world war. A supreme council for tourism is set up – but Greek finances are in disarray: ‘Since the release of Greek territory from enemy occupation, the monetary system is in a state of confusion,’ notes the Thomas Cook Continental Timetable.
Greece 1950s_2 By 1955, foreign tourist numbers to Greece have reached 200,000 – a five-fold increase in five years. The average stay of the visitors is one week.
 Greece 1967 _03In 1967, a Greek military junta – the ‘Regime of the Colonels’ – came to power. For the first time, tourism numbers decline – by about 14% – though they rebound the following year. In the UK, the government imposes a £50 limit on the allowance for British citizens travelling abroad.
 Yachting in Greece 1969Greece is one of the first destinations to be chosen by Britannia Airways for its new Boeing 737 jet, with charters from Luton to Athens. In 1968, Jacqueline Kennedy marries the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on the Ionian island of Skorpios. 
 Greece 1981In 1980 there is evidence budget travel is flourishing, with the publication of Europe: a Manual for Hitch-hikers. It says: ‘Greece is one of the most beautiful countries on earth to get stranded for a few hours.’ Greece joins the EU in 1981, and the latest James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only, features the monasteries of Meteora. 
 Greece 1990sIn 1990 visitor numbers hit nine million for the first time, with some tourists inspired by the movie Shirley Valentine, released the previous year. Cephalonia features in Louis de Bernières’ 1994 novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, about the Italian and German occupation of Greece in the second world war. 
ATHENS_Herodeio_2004 Greece win the 2004 UEFA European Championship, beating the hosts Portugal in the opening group match and again in the final. The following month, Athens hosts the Olympic Games. Visitor numbers to Greece are now more than 13 million.
(Source:Guardian)

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