Friday, March 1, 2024
Last year, Greece experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming over 32.7 million visitors, a feat that generated approximately €20.5 billion in revenue. This achievement marks a 15.7% increase in tourist numbers compared to 2022, as reported by the Bank of Greece.
The boost in tourism revenue was largely driven by an uptick in spending by European Union residents, totaling €11.1583 million, along with a notable rise in visitors from non-EU countries, amounting to €8.591 billion. A significant portion of this latter figure can be attributed to the expenditure of Greek Australians, who were among the tens of thousands visiting Greece last year.
The contribution from euro zone residents was particularly significant, amounting to €9.0589 billion, up 12.4% from the previous year. Additionally, income from EU countries outside the euro zone increased by 7.8%, reaching €2.099 billion. Among individual countries, Germany’s visitors were a major source of tourism revenue for Greece, contributing €3.563 billion, up 9.5%, followed by French tourists, who brought in €1.425 billion, reflecting an 11.6% increase. From outside the EU, the United Kingdom and the United States were substantial contributors, with tourism income from the UK rising by 5.8% to €3.307 billion, and from the US by an impressive 14.0% to €1.367 billion. However, income from Russian visitors saw a decrease of 20.8%, totaling €32.8 million.
The overall travel traffic to Greece showed an increase of 17.6% over the previous year, with 32.7 million travelers compared to 27.8 million in 2022. This increase was observed across various entry points, with airport travel traffic up by 12.7% and road border station traffic rising by a significant 34.9%. EU countries contributed 19.65 million travelers, marking a 15.6% increase from 2022, while non-EU country visitors increased by 20.8%, totaling 13.01 million travelers. Specifically, travel from Germany and France showed noticeable increases, further highlighting Greece’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.
In addition to these impressive numbers, Greece’s tourism sector received high marks for visitor satisfaction, as evidenced by a survey conducted by the Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association in collaboration with GBR Consulting. The survey, which has been tracking visitor opinions for over 19 years, revealed that tourist satisfaction in Athens has risen steadily over the past decade, from a score of 7.7 in 2017 to 8.4 in both 2022 and 2023. This increase in satisfaction comes despite the record number of tourists visiting Athens’ archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, which continues to draw significant interest.
The association also noted the growth in the number of hotels and hotel rooms in Attica, with a 5% increase in hotels and a 9% increase in rooms over the last decade. This growth was most pronounced in the Central Sector of Athens, with substantial increases in the availability of 4- and 5-star accommodations. However, the market share of 1- and 2-star hotels has seen a decline, while the short-term rental market has expanded significantly.
Despite these positive developments, the survey identified areas of concern, particularly regarding safety and public cleanliness, where tourist satisfaction has decreased. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the dynamic nature of Greece’s tourism sector and its ability to adapt and thrive, offering a blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities that continue to attract visitors from around the globe. This blend of historical allure and contemporary comforts not only enhances the overall aesthetic of Greek airports but also contributes significantly to the country’s appeal to tourists, ensuring they find the experience both interesting and worthwhile.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
