TOURISM

Based on provisional data, the balance of travel services in June 2024 showed a surplus of 2,861.7 million euros, up from a surplus of 2,680.7 million in June 2023.

Regarding domestic and international aircraft arrivals and departures, there was an increase of 6.9% compared to the corresponding period January - July 2023. In particular, 328,272 flights were carried out, compared to 306,982 flights in 2023.

The increase in tourist flows, added the Minister of Tourism, is accompanied by challenges, such as the effects on the environment as well as the saturation observed in popular destinations.

Following Chios, Kos, Lesbos, Rhodes, and Samos, the visa program is also being extended to Leros, Lemnos, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, and Symi, the Greek embassy said.

"Our main concern," Michailidou added, "is to support the workforce in tourism, especially ahead of the summer season. One measure in this direction was that we brought the increase in the minimum wage forward this year.

Crete is the leading force in the Greek tourism sector as it will reach approximately 6 million arrivals, 10% up compared to last year. Mykonos and Santorini remain consistently high in popularity worldwide.

The annual bed occupancy rate in hotels and similar establishments was 51.1% in 2022 from 42.9% in 2021, while 59.1% of all arrivals and 66% of all overnight stays were recorded in the months from July until October.

Cancellations corresponding to 10% of the expected arrivals from Germany have been recorded recently. Strong competition from Turkey. Fears that record forecasts will be contradicted this year.

Zoëtry Halkidiki, a new boutique, all-inclusive resort, expected to mark the second Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts property in the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt European portfolio.

Τhe Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias, explained, the target included in the 2022 national budget was for the industry of tourism to reach 80% of the 2019 performance.