The Greek tourism industry is delighted at the news that Obama might be holidaying in Crete this summer, according to travel experts Travelmatch.co.uk. But with the oil spill crisis still ongoing, is it just optimistic speculation on part of the Greeks?

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM  - ^29th June 2010 - According travel consultants Travelmatch.co.uk, rumours abound that Obama has been looking at Crete holidays for this summer. It’s just the shot in the arm the ailing Greek tourism industry has been crying out for: a grand Presidential holiday, replete with photos of the photogenic first family enjoying themselves in the Cretian sun.

The Greek daily newspaper Eleftherotypia said: "The US president Barack Obama will spend his holidays in Crete this year. He has been invited to come at the end of June or early July." The paper went on to claim that the visit had been arranged by longtime Obama ally Alexi Giannoulias, who served as Illinois state treasurer when the President was still a senator.

As of yet, The White House hasn’t released the President’s holiday schedule. Sceptics point to Giannoulias’ own Senate campaign as a possible source of the rumour. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Athens didn’t offer a firm denial, telling The Guardian that "given the oil spill and the cancellation of overseas trips by the president, we think it unlikely that he will be visiting Greece. We certainly haven't heard anything about it."

Obama wouldn’t be the first American president to holiday in Crete – President George Bush Senior was also a fan of Greek Island holidays, having visited around half a dozen times during and following his presidency.

“A presidential holiday is a massive boon for any holiday destination, even more so when they’re as popular internationally as President Obama,” says Richard Bray of popular travel portal Travelmatch.co.uk. “Tourism in Greece is down about 10% at the moment, so any visit from Obama would be seen as welcome by the Greeks.”

Assuming the President does make it to the sandy shores of Crete, Travelmatch.co.uk can help you follow in his footsteps with a memorable holiday to the Greek Islands of your own, with week-long self catering holidays starting at just £156 per person.

About Travelmatch.co.uk:
Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. Travelmatch, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.

###