In the early years of the military dictatorship of the Colonels in 1967, Greek tourism experienced a period of recession. However, the Junta government quickly attempted to reverse the situation through various policies and to improve the country’s negative image internationally. In this context, the Hellenic Post issued a commemorative series of three stamps in 1969, aimed at promoting Greek tourism. The set included the following stamps:

Value: 1.00 drachma – Designed by painter Panagiotis Gravvalos, this stamp depicts a view of the Vouliagmeni marina with boats from the annual Aegean International Sailing Rally.

Value: 5,00 drachmas – Designed by engraver Giorgos Velissaridis, this stamp features a scene from the 1958 National Theatre performance of Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus at Colonus, directed by Alexis Minotis. The stamp was issued to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Epidaurus Festival.

Value 6,00 drachmas – Also designed by Velissaridis, this stamp shows a view of the island of Astypalaea. Its purpose was to present a characteristic image of a Greek island while promoting its local vernacular architecture.

As stated in the official announcement of the series, these three stamps represent the three pillars of Greek tourism: the Greek seas, the Greek islands and ancient drama, through which classical antiquity is revived in modern festivals.