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One in two Greeks saves for trips, according to the results of the largest global study on tourism carried out by the popular travel site Trip Advisor. According to the results, 13% of Greeks intend to spend a large amount of money in order to travel within the current year, despite predictions of hoteliers that the course of the Greek economy will negatively affect domestic tourism.14.52% of hoteliers in the world and 35% of their Greek colleagues said that they will increase room prices during the forthcoming season.

90% of Greek users of Trip Advisor stated that the reviews they read affected their choice of destination. The rate of travellers globally, whose choice of destinations was influenced by criticism on the internet is 65%, and that of those who read personal suggestions and tips, 4%.

For 98% of Greeks, price is a critical factor when choosing a hotel. Internationally, 89% of tourists are influenced by feedback on the Internet, 86% by personal impressions from a previous trip, 77% by the quality of services and 44% by special promotions.

According to the survey, 72% of Greeks are interested in having free internet access (Wi-Fi), and 83% of hoteliers in the country offer this. 80% are looking for free breakfast, while 41% of hoteliers offer it, 49% want free parking, which is available in 88% of hotels and 24% - a free shuttle bus which is provided by 20% of hotels.

In parallel, Greece is among the top five destinations which are visited by the largest number of foreign tourists compared to the domestic tourist market. According to the responses of the owners of hotels, destinations with the greatest number of foreign visitors include Morocco (87%), the Caribbean (75%), Thailand (75%), Austria (72%) and Greece (68%).

At the same time, CNN put the Acropolis in the list of the 8 most beautiful destinations in the world which are worth visiting even more than once.

"Relentless modern Athens may cause a culture shock among visitors who expect to see white marble monuments on every corner. However, the worst experience for most tourists is the long queue for a ticket for the Acropolis under the scorching sun and in the company of thousands of other visitors. But when you get to the top of the hill, you will see why millions of people visit it every year and return again and again afterwards.

The Acropolis has endured thousands of years of wars, thefts of marble compositions, extreme heat and even an explosion of ammunition (in 1687), but it is still there, so you should be inspired by this, the author argues.

As an alternative, he offers readers who are looking for the best views in Athens to head northeast and reach Lycabettus Hill. "From its peak (the highest point in the city at 277 metres), you can look down to the Acropolis and the rest of the panorama which will take your breath away," says Mike Sowden.