Greek Tourism Sector Riding High in June

The Greek tourism sector is growing more robust than ever with high occupancy rates in June, increased prices and Athens figuring high among international travelers’ top picks.

Athens came in seventh among the top searches by US vacationers seeking a 4th of July getaway destination, with the Greek capital holding the 5th spot as a major MICE destination choice.

Athens and other Greek destinations are performing well aiming to become top world destinations, Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association President Alexandros Vassilikos told Naftemporiki daily.

“An upward trend and momentum in both occupancy levels and rates were recorded in June,” he said.

Besides Athens International Airport, regional airports are also set to see a rise in traffic expected to reach 1.1 million visitors with the airports in Thessaloniki estimated to mark a 16.9 percent increase, 4.6 percent on Rhodes, 13.4 percent on Kos, 3.4 percent in Iraklion and 5.5 percent in Chania, 1.5 percent on Corfu, 19.5 percent on Zakynthos, 14.5 percent on Kefalonia, 18.4 percent in Aktion, 8.8 percent on Mykonos, 7.5 percent on Santorini, 4.7 percent in Araxos, 7.7 percent in Kalamata, 33.4 percent in Kavala and 42.2 percent on Lesvos.

Meanwhile, the Northeastern Aegean islands, which include Samos, Lesvos and Chios, continue to feel the impact of the ongoing refugee flows with a University of the Aegean survey revealing a massive 40.63 percent drop in overnight stays, a 42.58 percent decline in the number of visitors and a 35.18 percent slump in tourism-related revenue.