WTTC: Tourism Drop Wiped Out €23bn from Greek Economy in 2020

The collapse of the Greek Travel & Tourism sector has wiped out 23 billion euros from the nation’s economy, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said on Friday.

According to the WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR), the Greek tourism sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 61.1 percent.

“Following three consecutive successful years in which the country’s Travel & Tourism sector’s growth outpaced that of the overall economy, its Travel & Tourism GDP fell from 38.1 billion euros (20.3 percent) in 2019 before COVID-19 ripped through the heart of the sector, to just 14.8 billion euros (8.7 percent), a mere 12 months later, in 2020,” the WTTC said.

65,000 jobs lost

Moreover, the WTTC pointed out that last year’s travel restrictions, which brought much of international travel to a grinding halt, resulted in the loss of more than 65,000 Travel & Tourism jobs across Greece.

According to data, the number of those employed in the Greek Travel & Tourism sector fell from 825,000 in 2019, to 759,000 in 2020 – a drop of 7.9 percent.

“However, the situation could have been far worse if it were not for the government’s job support scheme which could save thousands of jobs under threat and has helped to halt the total collapse of the Travel & Tourism sector,” Gloria Guevara, President & CEO WTTC, said.

The report also revealed domestic visitor spending declined by 42.3 percent, while international spending, which it strongly relies on, fared even worse due to more stringent travel restrictions, causing a drastic fall of 76.9 percent.

WTTC praises Greece

Guevara praised the Greek government for its “tremendous efforts and strategic steps” taken to restart international travel.

“It has been an example throughout the pandemic, striking the balance between the health emergency and the economy, by allowing international travel through very clear testing and hygiene protocols,” she said.

Greece will officially open for international tourism from May 14.

According to Guevara, the restart could “reopen the door to a summer of travel for holidaymakers looking to get away to Greece, and will provide a significant boost to the country’s economy”.

Unlocking international travel

WTTC says the key to unlocking safe international travel can be achieved through a clear and science-based framework, including rapid testing before departure for all non-vaccinated travellers, as well as enhanced health and hygiene protocols and mandatory mask wearing.

The global tourism body also supports the introduction of digital health passes, such as the European Commission’s Digital Green Certificate, which was originally proposed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The WTTC’s research shows that if mobility and international travel resumes by June this year, the sector’s contribution to global GDP could rise sharply in 2021, by 48.5%, year-on-year.”