Tourism for All: Alternative Destinations in Greece See Rise of Domestic Tourists

Nafplio, Peloponnese. Photo source: Visit Greece / © G. Filippini

A number of Greece’s alternative destinations located on the mainland last year saw a boost in Greek visitors thanks to the “Tourism for All” subsidy program for domestic holidays, according to data presented recently by the Greek Tourism Ministry.

A program that runs annually, “Tourism for All” gives lower income Greeks and their families the opportunity to enjoy almost a week of subsidized vacations at various destinations across the country. The program covers a portion of vacation costs (accommodation, transport and F&B) through vouchers and at the same time compensates business owners.

The “Tourism for All” program has a dual purpose as, in addition to offering holidays at a low price to thousands of beneficiaries, it aims to boost domestic tourism especially in the months of low demand.

During a recent media briefing, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias underlined that the program in 2022 highlighted a number of alternative destinations which were then selected as vacation spots by  Greek visitors. Kikilias added that the “Tourism for All” program significantly helped extend the country’s tourism season into the winter months.

“Tourism in 2022 developed a strong dynamic that it is expected to continue in 2023… The extension of the tourism season has been successful and we are continuing our efforts for 12-month tourism in Greece,” the minister said, adding that tourism development contributed significantly to the strengthening of the national economy, local communities and the average Greek family.

Most popular destinations for Greeks

According to data released by the ministry, for 2022, from the summer until December 31, the most popular destinations for Greek travelers through the “Tourism for All” program were located in Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese, Attica and Thessaly.

Florina, Western Macedonia. Photo source: Visit Greece

Destinations that saw a high positive change in the winter months were located in Western Greece, Western Macedonia, Thessaly and the North Aegean.

In terms of destinations, the big cities (Athens, Thessaloniki) stood out, as well as the more alternative destinations of Tolo, Ioannina, Edipsos, Thassos, Kalavryta and Kastoria.

Halkidiki. Photo source: Visit Halkidiki.

Following are the top Greek destinations by region that stood out the most among Greek travelers through the “Tourism for All” program:

– Central Macedonia: Thessaloniki, Aridaia and Halkidiki
– Attica: Athens, Aegina and Piraeus
– Peloponnese: Tolo and Nafplion
– Thessaly: Volos and Portaria
– South Aegean: Naxos and Tinos
– Central Greece: Edipsos and Arachova
– Epirus: Ioannina and Parga
– Crete: Chania and Rethymno
– Eastern Macedonia – Thrace: Thassos and Kavala
– Ionian: Lefkada and Zakynthos
– Western Greece: Kalavryta and Patra
– Western Macedonia: Kastoria and Florina
– North Aegean: Lesvos and Chios

Minister Kikilias announced that the “Tourism for All” program will receive an extension in 2023 as applications for another 125,000 digital vouchers will open by the end of January through the special platform available on vouchers.gov.gr.