2008 Overnights Show Slight Increase

A 0.31 percent increase in overnight stays was recorded in 2008, according to the National Statistical Service of Greece. The overnights involve accommodation of all kinds (hotels and camp sites).

On the other hand, customer arrivals in 2008 presented a minor decrease of 0.15 percent compared with the corresponding figures of 2007.

The statistical service said that the increase in overnights was due to Greek tourists as an increase of 1.8 percent was recorded, while foreign tourists fell by 0.22 percent.

Tourist arrivals in Greek hotels and campsites fell 0.75 percent (foreign tourists) and rose by 0.61 percent (Greeks), while hotel room occupancy rates (not camping) eased to 56.7 percent in 2008, down from 57 percent in 2007.

By geographical region 70 percent of the total customer arrivals and 81 percent of overnights were on five regions, namely Crete, the southern Aegean, central Macedonia, the Ionian islands and Attica.

The highest room occupancy rate were recorded by the Ionian Islands (70 percent), Crete (69.9 percent) and the southern Aegean (68.4 percent).