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Family trips to Greece work. Really well, actually. The culture is child-friendly (Greeks adore kids), the beaches have calm shallow water, the food is simple enough for picky eaters, and there's enough history to call it "educational" while still being fun.
But not every Greek destination suits families equally. Some islands are too remote, too party-focused, or simply lack the infrastructure that makes traveling with children manageable. Others have everything — family resorts, organized beaches, kids' activities, and enough variety to keep both parents and children happy.
At a glance — best Greek family destinations in 2026
- Best for toddlers (0-3): Naxos — shallow sandy beaches, walkable Chora, no logistics
- Best for young kids (4-7): Rhodes — kids' clubs, waterparks, family resorts
- Best for school-age (8-12): Crete — Knossos mythology, beaches, variety
- Best for teenagers (13+): Lefkada or Mykonos — windsurfing, day boats, social scene
- Best all-inclusive: Halkidiki — Sani Resort + Ikos Olivia, Caribbean-quality beaches
- Best for first-timers: Athens + Naxos (5-7 days) — one city, one island, zero stress
- Best for history-loving kids: Athens + Peloponnese — Acropolis + Olympic stadium
- Best for nature kids: Kefalonia or Zakynthos — Melissani Cave, sea turtles
- Best mainland beach base: Halkidiki — no ferry logistics needed
- Best skip: Mykonos for families with young kids, Santorini for toddlers (cliffs)
Here's my complete guide to the best places to visit in Greece with family — from toddler-friendly beach resorts to teenager-approved adventures.
What Makes a Destination Family-Friendly?
Before the recommendations, understand what to look for:
Beach considerations:
- Shallow, calm water (essential for young children)
- Sandy (not pebbly) beaches
- Shade options
- Lifeguards
- Facilities nearby (bathrooms, food, changing areas)
Accommodation:
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pools
- Kids' clubs (for resort properties)
- Kitchen access (helpful for feeding schedules)
Logistics:
- Good flight connections (minimize travel stress)
- Not too remote
- Medical facilities accessible
- Car rental available (flexibility matters with kids)
To rent a car for your trip, compare prices on Discovercars for the best deals.
Activities:
- Mix of beach and non-beach options
- Age-appropriate attractions
- Rainy day alternatives
- Evening entertainment
Greece with kids by age: where to actually go
The "family-friendly" label is too broad to be useful. A toddler-friendly trip looks nothing like a teen-friendly trip. Here's how to think about it by age — these are the destinations we'd actually book for each stage.
Toddlers and babies (0-3 years)
What matters: Shallow water, no ferry logistics, easy stroller access, baby-supply availability.
Our picks:
- Naxos — Agios Prokopios and Agios Georgios beaches are wadeable for 100+ meters with sandy sea bottoms. The Chora is walkable and stroller-friendly. Single base, no inter-island ferries.
- Halkidiki — All-inclusive resorts handle every logistics problem before it becomes one. Sani Resort and Ikos Olivia have proper baby clubs (from 4 months) and dedicated infant facilities.
- Rhodes — Lindos Imperial and similar resorts offer baby-on-board packages with cots, baby food prep, and dedicated infant pools.
Avoid: Santorini (cliff paths and uneven steps are dangerous with toddlers), Mykonos (beach clubs cost €100+ per day before drinks), the small Cyclades (limited medical access).
Young children (4-7 years)
What matters: Kids' clubs that actually engage 4-7 year olds, swimming-pool access alongside beaches, short day trips that won't exhaust them.
Our picks:
- Rhodes — Best family infrastructure in Greece. Kids' clubs at Lindos Imperial, Mitsis Rodos Village, and Atlantica resorts. WaterCity and Faliraki Water Park for rainy-or-too-hot days.
- Corfu — Major all-inclusive operators (TUI, Jet2, Apple Vacations) have well-developed kids' programs. Aqualand is one of Europe's largest waterparks.
- Crete — Daios Cove, Grecotel Creta Palace, and the Chania-area resorts all have proper kids' clubs plus the variety to escape the resort when needed.
School-age kids (8-12 years)
What matters: Engagement with history (the right ages for mythology), beach + adventure variety, more autonomy than younger kids need.
Our picks:
- Crete — The sweet spot. Knossos with a good guide turns mythology into a treasure hunt. Cretaquarium for marine biology kids. Elafonissi for "tropical island" beach moments. Mountain villages for cultural variety.
- Athens + Peloponnese — Acropolis with a kid-friendly guide, then the Peloponnese loop: run the original Olympic stadium at Olympia, test the acoustics at Epidaurus, find the Lion Gate at Mycenae.
- Kefalonia — Melissani Cave is one of the most magical experiences in Greece at this age. Boat tours, sea turtles, and dramatic Myrtos Beach.
Teenagers (13+)
What matters: Autonomy, social environment, Instagram-worthy moments, activities that don't feel like "kid stuff." Wi-Fi.
Our picks:
- Lefkada — Windsurfing in Vasiliki, dramatic beaches that photograph well, day boats to Kastos and Kalamos. Active enough to keep teenagers engaged.
- Mykonos — Yes, really. With older teenagers, the beach-club energy of Paradise Beach and the photogenic streets of the Chora are exactly the social vibe they want. Strict accommodation-area selection helps (avoid the party zone).
- Santorini — Now appropriate. Caldera sunset photos, ATV exploration with older teens, wine tours where parents drink and teens get rosehip lemonade.
- Crete — Still works. Add Samaria Gorge hike for active teens, scuba diving courses at Bali, sailing day trips from Chania.
Multi-generational families (kids + grandparents)
What matters: Single base (no ferry logistics), elevator access, varied dining, activities that work for all ages simultaneously.
Our picks:
- Halkidiki — Sani Resort or Ikos Olivia. Both designed for multi-gen groups with connecting suites, all-inclusive eliminating the "where to eat with 8 people" question, and beach-to-pool variety.
- Crete (Elounda) — Daios Cove, Elounda Mare, Elounda Beach Hotel. Luxury resorts built for the multi-gen demographic.
- Rhodes (Lindos area) — Lindos Imperial and Mitsis Lindos Memories.
Best Greek Islands for Families
1. Naxos
The family beach champion
Best for: Families with children of all ages | Budget: €€
Naxos has the best beaches in the Cyclades for families — long stretches of golden sand with shallow, warm water that stays wadeable for 100+ meters. Add reasonable prices, genuine Greek atmosphere, and enough variety to entertain everyone, and you have the ideal family island.
Why families love it:
- Outstanding beaches — Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka have calm, shallow water perfect for small children
- Affordable — Half the price of Santorini or Mykonos
- Authentic atmosphere — Real Greek island life, not just tourism
- Activities beyond beach — Explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, take a cooking class
Best beaches for kids:
- Agios Prokopios — Organized, calm, all facilities
- Agia Anna — Village atmosphere, excellent for families
- Plaka — Long, less crowded, gentle entry
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore the Portara (ancient temple gate) at sunset
- Visit the Old Town castle
- Rent bikes and cruise along the coastal road
- Day trip to the Small Cyclades
Accommodation: Mix of family hotels, apartments with kitchens, and some resort options. Book beachfront properties for maximum convenience.
Find family hotels in Naxos on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
2. Rhodes
The family infrastructure king
Best for: Families wanting organized resorts and variety | Budget: €€–€€€
Rhodes has invested more in family tourism infrastructure than perhaps any other Greek island. Purpose-built resorts with kids' clubs, waterparks, organized beaches, and enough historical sites to make the trip educational.
Why families love it:
- All-inclusive options — Multiple resorts with kids' clubs, pools, entertainment
- Waterparks — WaterCity and Faliraki Water Park for splashy days
- Medieval Old Town — UNESCO site that kids find genuinely cool (knights, castles, ramparts)
- Long season — Warm enough for swimming May–October
Best areas for families:
- Lindos — Beautiful beach + impressive acropolis
- Kolymbia — Quiet, family-focused resorts
- Faliraki — Waterparks, organized beaches (avoid the party strip)
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore the Medieval Old Town (kids love the castle walls)
- Climb the Lindos Acropolis (donkey rides available)
- Splash at the waterparks
- Visit the Valley of the Butterflies
- Take a boat trip to Symi
Accommodation: Excellent all-inclusive resorts (Ikos, Lindos Imperial, Mitsis). Also good mid-range family hotels. Find family resorts in Rhodes on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
3. Crete
The everything island
Best for: Families wanting variety and longer stays | Budget: €€–€€€
Crete is big enough to offer everything — beach resorts on the north coast, world-famous beaches in the west, Knossos for history, waterparks for fun days, and mountain villages for authentic experiences.
Why families love it:
- Beach variety — From resort beaches to adventures like Elafonissi
- Knossos — Kids genuinely enjoy the Minoan palace and Labyrinth mythology
- All-inclusive resorts — Many excellent family options
- Aquariums and waterparks — Rainy day (or hot day) solutions
- Diverse landscapes — Beaches, mountains, gorges, caves
Best areas for families:
- Chania area — Beautiful old town + access to best beaches
- Rethymno — Mix of beach and culture
- Elounda/Agios Nikolaos — Upscale family resorts
Kid-friendly activities:
- Discover Heraklion on a guided tour. Visit the open-air market, explore the city’s landmarks, and tour the ancient palace of Knossos.
- Visit Cretaquarium in Heraklion
- Day trip to Elafonissi beach (shallow lagoon perfect for kids)
- Take the road train in Chania
- Visit a Cretan farm
Accommodation: Excellent range from all-inclusives to family apartments. Rent a car for best experience.
Find family hotels in Crete on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
4. Corfu
The green family escape
Best for: Families wanting all-inclusive ease + natural beauty | Budget: €€–€€€
Corfu is greener than the Cyclades, with extensive all-inclusive resort options and a beautiful Venetian old town. The combination of easy beach vacation plus cultural exploration works well for families.
Why families love it:
- Extensive all-inclusive options — Major resort chains well-established
- Venetian Old Town — UNESCO site, ice cream shops, horse carriages
- Water sports — Protected bays good for family activities
- Diverse beaches — Something for everyone
Best areas for families:
- Sidari — Sandy beaches, family hotels, calm water
- Acharavi — Long sandy beach, relaxed atmosphere
- Gouvia — Marina area, good family hotels
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore Corfu Old Town (ice cream mandatory)
- Visit Aqualand waterpark
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour
- Day trip to Paleokastritsa (dramatic beach scenery)
- Horse riding in the countryside
Accommodation: Well-developed all-inclusive scene. Many hotels with kids' clubs and family facilities.
5. Zakynthos
The turtle island
Best for: Families who love marine life and dramatic beaches | Budget: €€
Zakynthos offers something unique for kids — loggerhead sea turtles that nest on protected beaches. Add the famous Shipwreck Beach and excellent family beaches, and you have memorable family adventure.
Why families love it:
- Sea turtle experiences — Caretta caretta turtles nest here (ethical watching available)
- Navagio Beach — The iconic shipwreck photo opportunity
- Family-friendly south — Kalamaki and Vasilikos have excellent family beaches
- Marine life — Blue Caves boat trips, snorkeling
Best areas for families:
- Kalamaki — Turtle nesting beaches, calm, family-oriented
- Vasilikos — Excellent beaches, away from party zone
- Laganas (during day) — Turtle spotting, but avoid at night (party area)
Kid-friendly activities:
- Turtle spotting at Gerakas Beach (responsibly!)
- Boat trip to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves
- Snorkeling (warm, clear water)
- Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
- Glass-bottom boat tours
Important: Protect the turtles. Use only ethical operators, don't disturb nesting beaches at night, follow all guidelines.
Find family hotels in Zakynthos on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
6. Skiathos
The Sporades family option
Best for: Families wanting beautiful beaches without Cyclades crowds | Budget: €€
Skiathos in the Sporades has over 60 beaches, pine forests that provide natural shade, and a more relaxed vibe than the Cyclades.
Why families love it:
- Koukounaries Beach — Consistently ranked among Greece's best, great for families
- Pine forests — Natural shade, cooler than bare Cycladic islands
- Beach variety — 60+ beaches to explore
- Accessible — Direct flights from many European cities
Best beaches for kids:
- Koukounaries — Shallow, sandy, facilities, some shade
- Agia Paraskevi — Calm, organized
- Troulos — Protected bay, very family-friendly
Kid-friendly activities:
- Beach hopping by bus (all beaches accessible)
- Visit Skiathos Town for ice cream and wandering
- Take a boat trip around the island
- Explore (carefully) the Kastro old town ruins
Find family hotels in Skiathos on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
7. Lefkada
The Caribbean of Greece
Best for: Families who prioritize beach quality above all | Budget: €€
Lefkada has some of Greece's most stunning beaches — Caribbean-turquoise water that rivals anything in the Greek islands. It's connected to the mainland by bridge, making access easier than other islands.
Why families love it:
- Spectacular beaches — Porto Katsiki and Egremni are world-class
- No ferry required — Connected to mainland by bridge
- Calmer waters — Ionian Sea generally gentler than Aegean
- Water sports hub — Vasiliki is famous for windsurfing
Best beaches for kids:
- Kathisma — Long sandy beach with facilities
- Agios Ioannis — Protected, calm, good for young swimmers
- Mikros Gialos — Small bay, very shallow
Kid-friendly activities:
- Beach exploration (each beach is different)
- Visit Lefkada Town
- Boat trips to sea caves
- Windsurfing lessons for older kids at Vasiliki
Note: Some famous beaches (Porto Katsiki, Egremni) require steep stair descents — challenging with small children or strollers. Check access before visiting.
8. Kefalonia
Natural beauty meets family adventure
Best for: Families wanting dramatic scenery and unique experiences | Budget: €€
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island with stunning beaches, fascinating caves, and enough variety to keep children engaged beyond the beach.
Why families love it:
- Myrtos Beach — One of Greece's most spectacular (though pebbly)
- Melissani Cave — Underground lake boat tour kids love
- Natural variety — Mountains, beaches, caves, forests
- Authentic atmosphere — Less touristy than Cyclades
Kid-friendly activities:
- Boat trip through Melissani Cave (magical experience)
- Visit Drogarati Cave (impressive stalactites)
- Beach days at Antisamos or Lourdas
- Sea turtle spotting (loggerheads nest here too)
- Mountain village exploration
Considerations: Kefalonia requires a car for proper exploration. Some beaches are pebbly rather than sandy.
Find family hotels in Kefalonia
Best Mainland Greece for Families
Athens
The educational adventure
Don't skip Athens with kids. The Acropolis genuinely impresses children (ancient fortress on a rock!), the mythology stories engage them, and the city has excellent family infrastructure.
Kid-friendly highlights:
- Acropolis — Go early morning, bring mythology stories, take breaks
- Acropolis Museum — Air-conditioned, kid-friendly exhibits
- National Garden — Playground, duck pond, escape from heat
- Syntagma Square — Watch the changing of the guards (hourly)
- Lycabettus Hill — Take the funicular up for views
Tips for Athens with kids:
- Visit ancient sites early morning (heat and crowds build)
- Stay in Plaka or Koukaki (walkable, ice cream available)
- Book kid-friendly tours with engaging guides
- Allow for afternoon rest/pool time
- Evening walks when temperature drops
Peloponnese
History meets adventure
The Peloponnese has ancient sites that kids actually enjoy — Olympia (run in the original Olympic stadium!), Epidaurus (test the acoustics!), Mycenae (find the Lion Gate!).
Kid-friendly highlights:
- Ancient Olympia — Run the original Olympic track, museum with artifacts
- Epidaurus — Theater acoustics demonstration (drop a coin, hear it everywhere)
- Mycenae — Explore the ancient citadel and "Tomb of Agamemnon"
- Nafplio — Beautiful town, Palamidi fortress, ice cream on the harbor
- Beaches — Costa Navarino, Tolo, and others have family-friendly beaches
Best base: Nafplio — beautiful town, pool hotels available, central for day trips.
Find family hotels in the Peloponnese on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
Meteora
The "wow" destination
Meteora's rock pillars and clifftop monasteries genuinely amaze children. It's like a fantasy landscape come to life.
Tips for Meteora with kids:
- Choose 2–3 monasteries (don't try to see all six)
- Go early morning or late afternoon (midday is hot)
- Bring water and snacks
- Some monasteries require climbing — assess your family's abilities
- The Great Meteoron and Varlaam are most impressive
Note: Modest dress required (covered shoulders and knees). Sarongs/covers usually available at entrance.
Find family hotels in Meteora on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda for the best deal.
Halkidiki
Mainland beach paradise
Halkidiki — the three-pronged peninsula south of Thessaloniki — offers Caribbean-like beaches without island ferry logistics.
Why families love it:
- Beaches as good as islands — Turquoise water, white sand
- No ferries required — Drive from Thessaloniki airport
- Family resorts — Several excellent all-inclusive options
- Natural setting — Pine forests, clean water
Best for: Families who want beach vacation without island-hopping logistics.
Find family resorts in Halkidiki
Family cruises and sailing trips
Cruising is a legitimate family option that gets overlooked in most family-Greece guides. Two formats actually work for kids:
Big-ship family cruises (Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian). These run 7-10 day Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Rome or Athens with Greek ports mixed in. Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships have rock-climbing walls, surf simulators, and dedicated kids' programs from age 3. Disney's Mediterranean sailings combine Disney's family entertainment with standard Greek ports. The trade-off: you spend more time on the ship than in any single Greek port, and Santorini visits in particular feel rushed.
Small-ship family sailing (Variety Cruises, Windstar). A completely different experience — 40-200 passengers, ports the big ships can't reach (Hydra, Patmos, Folegandros), and an atmosphere closer to "yacht trip with strangers" than "floating resort." Better for families with older kids (8+) who'll appreciate the smaller scale; not ideal for toddlers.
What we'd skip: Cruises that visit a different port every day. With kids, you need at least one full sea day for the family to actually rest. Itineraries with 5+ port stops in 7 days exhaust everyone.
→ Full guide: Greece Cruise Guide 2026 & 2027
Day Trips from Athens for Families
Not staying long? These day trips from Athens work well with kids:
Cape Sounion: Temple of Poseidon at sunset. 1.5-hour drive, impressive views, not too demanding.
Hydra: Car-free island, donkey transport, short ferry ride. Kids love the novelty.
Three Islands Cruise: See Hydra, Poros, Aegina in one day. Long but varied.
Delphi: Ancient oracle site. Longer day (2.5 hours each way) but impressive setting.
Best family activities and tours in Greece
The destinations matter, but so do the activities. Here are the tours and experiences our team recommends specifically for families — vetted operators, age-appropriate pacing, and the kind of guides who can hold a 9-year-old's attention.
Athens — Acropolis with kid-friendly storytelling: Standard Acropolis tours bore children. The family-specific tours weave in mythology and "find the hidden carving" challenges.
→ Book the Skip-the-Line Acropolis Family Tour
Crete — Knossos with Minotaur stories: Knossos with a good guide turns into a labyrinth adventure. Without one, it's "another pile of rocks" to kids. Worth booking the guided tour specifically.
→ Book Knossos Guided Family Tour
Zakynthos — Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves: The single most photogenic boat trip in Greece. Kids understand "shipwreck beach" instantly.
→ Book Blue Caves & Shipwreck Boat Tour
Lefkada — Forgotten Islands day cruise: Vaggelis's recommendation from our Lefkada Guide's Corner. 4 swimming stops at stunning beaches and a village visit, on-board sunbeds. The right pace for kids.
→ Book the Forgotten Islands Day Cruise
Naxos — Cooking class for kids: Hands-on, edible, no waiting in line. Most family-friendly cultural activity on any Cycladic island.
→ Browse Naxos family tours
Kefalonia — Melissani Cave boat tour: Underground lake illuminated by a shaft of sunlight. Genuinely magical and only takes 30 minutes — perfect attention-span fit for kids 5-12.
Meteora — Family-friendly half-day: The full Meteora monastery circuit exhausts kids. The half-day tours hit 2-3 monasteries with proper breaks. Better than the full-day for families.
Zakynthos / Kefalonia — Ethical sea turtle viewing: Gerakas Beach with a marine-biologist guide who explains turtle nesting without disturbing it. The kind of "educational holiday moment" parents remember.
Athens — Acropolis Museum family hour: Less famous than the Acropolis itself but actually more family-friendly. Air-conditioned, kid-height displays, the Parthenon frieze at child eye-level. 90 minutes is perfect.
Crete — Cretaquarium half-day: Rainy-day or too-hot-day rescue. One of the better aquariums in the Mediterranean. Combines well with a Knossos half-day.
Family Travel Tips for Greece
Timing Your Visit
Best months: May–June, September. Warm enough for swimming, not oppressively hot.
Peak summer considerations: July–August is hot (35°C+). Plan morning activities, afternoon pool time, evening exploration.
Easter: Greek Easter is magical but very crowded. Book far ahead if timing coincides.
Handling the Heat
- Morning sightseeing: Hit ancient sites by 8–9am
- Afternoon rest: Plan pool or air-conditioned time during 1–5pm
- Evening exploration: Greeks eat dinner at 9pm+ for good reason
- Hydration: Carry water constantly
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, rash guards for all-day beach
Feeding Kids in Greece
Greek food works for children:
- Souvlaki/gyros — Grilled meat in pita, universally appealing
- Pasta — Available everywhere
- French fries — Standard taverna offering
- Greek salad (minus onion) — Fresh vegetables
- Bread and cheese — Always available
- Fresh fruit — Excellent quality
- Moussaka — Layered meat and potato dish most kids enjoy
- Pizza — Available in tourist areas
Greeks eat late — restaurants open around 7pm but don't fill until 9pm. Bring snacks for the adjustment period.
Feeding picky eaters: Greek tavernas are accommodating. Ask for "plain pasta" (makaronia sketo), grilled chicken without seasoning, or customized dishes. Staff genuinely want to help.
Accommodation Types for Families
All-inclusive resorts:
- Easiest option — food, activities, childcare included
- Best options: Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Kos
- Book kids' clubs in advance during peak season
- Check age restrictions for kids' programs
Family apartments:
- Kitchen access for breakfast/snacks
- More space than hotel rooms
- Often better value
- Common on Naxos, Paros, Crete
Boutique family hotels:
- Personal service, often family-run
- Pools, breakfast included
- Good balance of convenience and character
Villas:
- Maximum space and privacy
- Kitchen for all meals
- Private pool (huge plus with kids)
- Best for groups or extended family
Practical Considerations
Car seats: Rental companies provide them but book ahead. Quality varies — bring your own if particular.
Strollers: Cobblestones and island towns make strollers challenging. Baby carriers work better.
Diapers and supplies: Available in pharmacies and supermarkets throughout Greece.
Medical care: Greek healthcare is good. Pharmacists can help with minor issues. Bring comprehensive travel insurance.
Quick Comparison: Best Family Destinations
Plan your family Greece trip
Destination guides:
- Best Greek Islands for Couples & Honeymoons — if you're also planning a non-family trip
- Best Places to Visit in the Peloponnese — full mainland guide
- Naxos Travel Guide · Rhodes Travel Guide · Crete Travel Guide
Family-specific logistics:
- Greece Cruise Guide 2026 & 2027 — for big-ship and small-ship family cruises
- Greece Vacation Packages — all-inclusive and tailor-made packages
- How to Plan a Trip to Greece — comprehensive planning guide
Pre-trip essentials:
- Flights to Greece · Best Time to Travel to Greece · Greece Weather by Month
- Greece Travel Insurance Guide — what families need vs. what you can skip
- How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost? — family budget math
Written by
Athens-born engineer · Coordinates a 5-expert Greek team · 50+ years combined field experience
I write every article on this site drawing on real, first-hand expertise — mine and that of four colleagues who live and work across Greece daily: a Peloponnese tour operator, a transfer specialist across Athens, Mykonos & Santorini, a Cretan hotel owner, and a Northern Greece hotel supplier. Nothing here comes from a single visit or desk research.
Informed by 5 Greek experts
Every destination we cover has been visited and vetted by at least one team member — not for a review, but as part of their daily work in Greek tourism.