Fewer Greeks opted to travel domestically over the recent three-day weekend, according to Lysandros Tsilidis, President of the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel and Tourism Agencies (FedHATTA), speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).
June 24th is a public holiday in Greece, commemorating the religious feast of Pentecost or the descent of the Holy Spirit. Tsilidis highlighted a notable 15% decline in domestic travel compared to the previous year, citing economic factors as the primary cause.
Tsilidis pointed out specific differences in tourist traffic among Greek islands, noting reduced activity in Mykonos and Santorini contrasted with increased interest in Paros and Naxos. He emphasized the strong performance of islands in the South Aegean region, with Chania and Rethymno in Crete also attracting significant numbers of Greek tourists.
Tsilidis also observed a growing preference among Greeks for "outsider" destinations within Greece, characterized by quieter, more authentic, and potentially more cost-effective experiences away from large crowds and celebrities. Destinations such as Skiathos, Ikaria, Chios, Lemnos, Mytilini, and Kythira have seen increased interest, alongside perennial favourites like the Cyclades, particularly favoured among younger age groups.
