Tourism revenues in Greece dropped 1.8% in August 2024, despite a 6.6% increase in visitor arrivals, according to the Bank of Greece. This marks the second consecutive month of decline, raising industry concerns. Contributing factors include reduced tourist spending on non-hotel expenses, the rise of short-term rentals like Airbnbs, and higher airfare prices. As September approaches, stakeholders are monitoring the situation for signs of recovery.
Tag: August 2024
The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) has reported a significant decline in Greece’s unemployment rate, which fell to 9.5% in August 2024. This marks a decrease from 11.4% in August 2023 and a slight dip from 9.9% in July 2024. The number of employed individuals rose to 4,252,488, an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 16.9%. The report also highlights improvements in gender disparities, with the unemployment rate for women dropping to 11.6% from 15.1% a year earlier.
The Hellenic Coast Guard rescued 163 migrants in three separate incidents over the past 24 hours, while a woman was found dead near the island of Kos after a boat capsized. Rescue operations also took place near Gavdos and the Messinian Gulf, with all survivors safely transported to ports. In August 2024, nearly 3,000 migrants were arrested for illegal entry into Greece, alongside 88 traffickers.
Greece’s inflation rose to 3% in August, up from 2.7% in July, driven by sharp increases in energy and food prices, according to ELSTAT. Key contributors included a 28% spike in natural gas prices and a 49.1% surge in olive oil costs, alongside rising housing and healthcare expenses.
August 2024 was the warmest on record since 2010 for Northern and Western Greece, the Ionian Islands, and the Peloponnese, with average temperatures up to 1.8°C above seasonal norms. The month followed an already hot summer and saw significant deviations, with Athens and Thessaloniki experiencing notable temperature increases. While other regions recorded the second warmest August, the Aegean islands and Crete saw cooler temperatures due to prevailing winds.
A wildfire broke out in the Pastra area of southeastern Kefalonia on Thursday morning, with strong winds hindering firefighting efforts. Residents received a 112 alert to stay on standby as 26 firefighters, two teams, eight aircraft, and a helicopter were deployed to contain the blaze.
The weather forecast for Greece indicates generally clear conditions with temperatures soaring up to 39°C in some regions and winds reaching speeds of up to 8 Beaufort. Coastal areas will experience varying wind patterns, and slight temperature drops are expected in the northeastern regions as the week progresses.
The inaugural Amvrakia Music Festival on August 16 and 17 will transform Psarogianni Camp near Lake Amvrakia into a cultural hotspot. With performances by Socrates Malamas and Ioulia Karapataki, the festival offers music, camping, and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable weekend.
Greece’s Environment and Energy Minister, Theodoros Skylakakis, announced that all households will receive electricity bill subsidies in August, capped at 500 kilowatt hours per month. The subsidies, financed by an extraordinary levy on natural gas for power producers, aim to maintain prices at 2023 levels amidst rising energy costs.
