Macedonia-Thrace Region Troubled With Drop in Tourism, To Refocus Promotional Strategy

Kavala city, port.

Drama, waterfall.

In efforts to revive dwindling tourist interest, the Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace has decided to place tourism at the center of its development strategy with the aim to “rebrand” the wider location as a “tourist destination of excellence”, local authorities announced this week.

Citing press reports in Thessaloniki-based daily Makedonia, the region’s governor Giorgos Pavlidis expressed concern at the slump in tourism interest, despite the funds spent by previous local administration on the region’s promotion.

According to figures revealed by Makedonia, tourism to the region dropped by 14.06 percent in 2013 compared to 2009. Local authorities are now saying is vital for all parties to work together to “reverse the trend”.

Xanthi, old city.

The traditional town of Xanthi recorded the largest drop between 2009 and 2013 at 45.57 percent, the city of Drama followed with a 25.77 percent fall, the remote Evros with a 15 percent drop, and Rodopi with a 36.11 percent drop, contrary to the city of Kavala, which saw a 12 percent rise primarily due to the island of Thassos.

Thassos island, Kinira bay.

Photo source: Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace