Greek Tourist Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia told the Parliament on Friday that tourist revenues have increased by 10.8 percent during the first quarter of 2007, compared to the corresponding period in 2006.

According to all indications, Greece will have more visitors than ever this year, said Petralia.

The minister referred to an upsurge in tourist investments and tourist development in Greece with 823 investments plans having a total budget exceeding 2.5 billion euros. She also pointed out that the ministry will be implacable on security issues.

"On security issues we shall display zero tolerance. We shall exhaust our strictness," the minister said.

Petralia disclosed that 5,514 checks have taken place in 2007, adding that they are being intensified as the tourist period approaches.

Source: Xinhua