What keeps flights to Greece full?
Despite the economic turmoil and Greeks' decision to reject the package of policy measures offered by the country's international creditors, tourists are still packing flights bound for Hellas.
Greece-bound travelers
Last-minute bookings are down, but the economic crisis has not dissuaded everyone from flying to Greece - like these people waiting to check in at Düsseldorf Airport. Thanks to travel destinations such as Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Santorini, the country continues to see a large number of tourists. Tourism accounts for 18 percent of the country's GDP and employs more than 900,000 people.
Family ties
"I'm heading to Greece to visit my grandparents. I like Greece, I think it's beautiful but I prefer living in Germany," said Fotios Matentzoglou. Like many others, Matentzoglou has family members who have been seriously affected by Greece's economic crisis.
No place like home
“I’m flying back to Greece to my family, to my friends, to have fun and nothing can disturb me from that,” mentions Nefeli Vitou before boarding her flight. Nefeli attends school in Germany and tries to stay positive despite the difficulties back home.
Busy with business
"For me, it's a business trip so I have to work there for a few days, and then I'm coming back. I like the country, and I like its people, so I'm happy to fly to Greece," said André Juchum. A scout for the German Bundesliga soccer team Schalke 04, Juchum is attending the UEFA Under-19 Football Championship taking place in Greece in hopes of finding new young talent.
Extra euros in the carry-on
"We have a lot of cash with us because we didn't know if we can use our cards there to pay, but we think it will be safe," said Gitte Brunswicker, who is going on vacation with her daughter. The announcement of last Sunday's referendum triggered strict capital controls. Banks are closed and there are cash limits at ATMs leading some travelers to take extra money with them.
Hope is the key
"There's hope that things will go on. We, the Greeks, are hopeful people. Things will continue to go on for our country. There has been a lot of talk about whether we will be kicked out or stay in [the eurozone common currency area], but things will continue on no matter what," said Katerina Topalidis, who owns a Greek restaurant in Germany.
Spending to support the Greeks
"I have not booked a hotel room yet because I want the Greeks themselves to get the money - not a European company," said Heike Bohe. Even with all the tourists, local businesses are still suffering. This year's last-minute bookings are down 40 percent compared to the same period of 2014.
Vacation in an economic crisis
"On one hand, you want to have a good time - we are thinking the two weeks that we stay there will be fine and perfect. But we understand the hard economic situation for Greece and that the people there are afraid," said Frederic Frese, who is heading off to Rhodes with his family.