Tourism Marketing / Retro Ad of the Week: Greek International Tourism, 1969

After World War II and their own Civil War dealt back-to-back blows to Greek tourism until 1949, the country needed to find a way to revitalize its top economic resource. Though the following decade saw some improvement in international travel to Greece, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that the industry picked up steam. Looking at this Greek international tourism campaign, it’s no wonder why.

The ad boasts a “something for everyone” claim, banking on ethnic stereotypes to drive the message home. But hard as you try to read the body copy (we’ve duplicated it below for the sake of your eyesight), it’s clearly not the intended focus. Laid over a beautiful, swimsuit-clad girl sprawled on the beach is the ad’s tagline, which was either a blatant sexual innuendo or a sign that we need to get our heads out of the gutter. Given that the ad was run in the late 1960s (’69 to be exact), we’re leaning toward the former. However it was interpreted at the time, the 1960s saw an over 1,000 percent increase in Greek tourism, further proof that sex does indeed sell.

 

The Scandinavians are coming to get the world’s most glorious tan.
On secluded sandy beaches from Nafpilo to Rhodes and at ultra-modern resorts by the blue Aspens. Come and share your suntan lotion.

The French are coming for the world’s biggest bargains.
Lobster at quarryside cafés in Mykonos and Hydra, class-A hotel rooms, boutique-style sandals. Come and you won’t have to cable home for money.

The Japanese are coming to see the world’s most eloquent stones.
Poseidon’s sun-bleached temple at Sounion, the sacred home of Delos, and King Minos’ legendary palace at Knossos. Come and be inspired.

FUN FACT: The ritual of toasting and clinking wine glasses originated in Ancient Greece, likely as a way to ensure the drinkers’ host had not poisoned their glasses as he or she was required to drink first. Cheers! (Source: Vine Talk)

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