Thessaloniki Hotels Mark Slight Drop in Jan.-Aug. Overnight Stays

Thessaloniki reported a 0.49 percent drop in incoming tourism for the January-August period compared to a year ago with 3,500 fewer overnight stays at the city’s hotels, according to the Thessaloniki Hotels Association (THA).

Markets opting out were Russia down by 10.87 percent, Italy by 7.47 percent, France by 7.01 percent, the Netherlands by 10.6 percent and Poland down by a massive 50 percent. Tourism professionals cite dwindling road tourism rates as well as lacking air connections and services in said markets.

On the upside, the port city attracted more holidaymakers from the UK, up by 31.73 percent, Spain by 12.25 percent, Switzerland by 18.31 percent and Ireland by 16.73 percent.

At the same time, total overnight stays at the city’s hotels increased by 4.5 percent or 62.000 at 1,482,917 against 1,419,992 in the 2015 with 4.5 percent of that due to Greek travelers, who made 767,174 overnight stays — up by 66,500 — or 9.48 percent, compared to last year.

Travelers from Cyprus at 95,071, up by 11.27 percent, and Turkey at 55,973, up by 5.07 percent, continue to be Thessaloniki hotels’ best clients.