Tourism Arrivals/Revenue Up, Travel Agency Revenue Down

The recent data released by the Greek Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) seems in complete contrast with statements and figures that refer to this year’s increases in the Greek tourism sector, according to the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Tourism Enterprises (GEPOET).

According to a report released by the statistical authority on 12 September, the turnover index for transport, travel agencies, tour operators and reservation services for this year’s second quarter recorded a 30.3 percent reduction compared with the second quarter of 2010.

In a press release, GEPOET referred to a drop in the purchase of organized travel packages by foreign visitors to Greece as well as a sharp drop in demand for travel packages by the Greek consumer.

According to GEPOET, there has been no promotion of Greece to markets such as the US, Australia and Canada.

The federation also highlighted the “absolute lack of planning” of the Culture and Tourism Ministry in regards to the proper function of archaeological sites and museums as this year there was a “phenomenal confusion” in regards to the opening hours.