'We'll be here another 40 years,' TUI tells Greece

Europe's largest holiday operator TUI Group plans to expand in Greece, it said on Friday, signaling confidence in the tourism-dependent country's efforts to emerge from a long economic crisis.

Tourism is a pillar of Greece's economy, accounting for about a fifth of annual output of 180 billion euros and a fifth of jobs. Visitors, led by Britons and Germans, have increased by about 50 percent since the crisis began eight years ago.

"We have been here for 40 years and we will be here for another 40," TUI CEO Friedrich Joussen told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "I see a greater future for tourism in Greece."

As well as expanding its asset base of 32 hotels and adding cruise port destinations, TUI was ready to join in efforts to extend the tourist season beyond the summer, Joussen said.

"It is a great opportunity for us. We will grow our...