Thessaloniki Tourism Resilient, Aims tο Stimulate Overnighters

Photo source: Thessaloniki Hotels Association

The northern port city of Thessaloniki has proven to be resilient despite the ongoing political turmoil in Greece, with incoming tourism holding ground, the Thessaloniki Hotels Association (THA) said on Thursday, February 11.

According to THA figures, the number of overnight stays in 2015 increased by 4.86 percent compared to 2014 with 2,158,923 overnight stays against 2,058,908 the year before.

Greek travelers continue to have a soft spot for Thessaloniki, holding on to the top position in terms of total 2015 overnight stays at 1,132,631, up by 5.21 percent.

The THA also said that its ongoing tourism promo campaign has begun to bear fruit, bringing in new sets of crowds as demonstrated by increased interest from the French, Dutch and Australians.

Among the top visitors in 2015 were Cypriot travelers at 120,500 overnight stays, up by 12.16 percent, Turkish visitors came second with 77,662 nights, a 3.24 percent rise and Americans stood at third place with 72,311 overnighters, up by 15.39 percent.

On the downside, Thessaloniki saw a drop in overnight stays by Russian travelers to the tune of 40,000 in the last two years.