As the Greek tourism industry gears up for another season, early indicators point to a promising trajectory, with efforts underway to extend the summer season and diversify travel destinations.
Major island destinations like Rhodes, Crete, Kos, and Corfu have kicked off the season on a positive note, witnessing the emergence of new trends in travel patterns.
Firstly, there is a growing trend towards extending the summer season, particularly towards its latter part. Secondly, travellers are increasingly opting to avoid the peak of August, drawn by lower prices and more moderate temperatures. Lastly, lesser-known island destinations are gaining traction, offering attractive pricing and fewer crowds.
Initial estimates from the Bank of Greece suggest that despite geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures in key European markets, Greek tourism is poised to maintain its upward momentum. Travel receipts are projected to see a slight increase in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Leading indicators from the tourism market echo these sentiments. Hoteliers report a positive outlook for the season, with early bookings indicating performance on par with or slightly better than 2023, which marked a historic high in terms of receipts for Greek tourism.
In 2023, Greece witnessed record travel receipts totaling €20.59 billion, a 16.5% increase compared to 2022. However, the average expenditure per trip saw a slight decrease, attributed to a shorter average length of stay.
In the aviation sector, airports across Greece are experiencing varying levels of growth. While Athens Airport is poised for a stellar year, regional airports managed by Fraport Greece are anticipating more moderate growth, trending towards stabilisation compared to the double-digit rates seen in recent years.
The start of the year saw a positive uptick in passenger traffic at regional airports, with notable demand observed in destinations like Rhodes, Kos, Chania, and Corfu. However, premium destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini are facing challenges, with a decline in international air traffic prompting industry stakeholders to address infrastructure and pricing concerns.
Despite these challenges, the overall outlook for Greek tourism remains optimistic, with efforts to extend the tourist season and promote lesser-known destinations expected to contribute to sustained growth in the years ahead.
(Source: Thema News)
