Notopoulou accuses tourism ministry of inaction ahead of Thomas Cook collapse

Main opposition shadow tourism minister Katerina Notopoulou on Wednesday demanded that Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis clarify what actions he has taken to protect Greek tourism from the impact of Thomas Cook's collapse and whether the company had, in fact, warned him in advance.

"Had he been informed by Thomas Cook's management, and was therefore aware in detail on July 25, about the tragic state the travel agency was in", Notopoulou said. "If he was aware, as he has admitted, what actions did Mr. Theoharis take, given his responsibility due to his position as tourism minister, to protect the interests of Greece and Greek tourism that today, just two months later, has been dealt an unprecedented blow with a chain of incalculable repercussions on the economy, on jobs and the sustainability of a large number of companies", she added.

Notopoulou pointed out that the tourism minister had a meeting with Thomas Cook CEO Peter Fankhauser immediately after the prime minister's visit to the tourism ministry on July 25.

She also quoted posts appearing on the tourism ministry's official website and social media pages, as well as the minister's personal accounts, stating that Fankhauser described the state of the company in detail "and assured us that Thomas Cook will remain one of the leading companies in the global tourism sector".

Notopoulou additionally pointed to statements made by the head of Iraklion airport, who said that Thomas Cook had made preparations for a possible bankruptcy and discussed them with local bodies in late July.