Greece Anticipating Record Year in Tourism

Photo source: Greek Travel Pages.

Citing booking data and flight plans, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias is expecting 2023 to be a record year for tourism with arrivals and travel receipts already on the rise.

In an interview to local media, Kikilias said the ministry’s strategy, which has so far included extending the tourism season, opening the season earlier in March, inking deals with airlines for off-season flights, and attracting investments in tourism – was paying off. Kikilias underlined the importance of the industry for the Greek economy noting that it contributes 25 percent to the country’s GDP and supports hundreds of families.

Kikilias said that according to Hellenic Slot Coordination Authority data, aircraft arrivals are up by 8.8 percent over 2022 and by 16.1 percent compared to pre-Covid 2019, while the number of passenger seats is set to rise by 18 percent compared to 2022 and by 31 percent over 2019.

Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Photo source: Tourism Ministry.

“Based on the data, we are 20 percent above 2019 levels. Last year, we recouped 95 percent of 2019 revenue levels without the markets of China, Russia, Australia and Ukraine,” said Kikilias.

“Athens did not stop welcoming travelers even in the heart of winter. The 12-month campaigns run by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the promotion of alternative destinations, thematic tourist products, and city breaks; and our agreements with airlines for direct flights off season, led to the extension of the tourist season. Greece now has tourism 10 months a year and the goal is to become a year-round destination,” he said.

In terms of cruise travel, Kikilias said homeporting activities are up by 38 percent compared to 2022 and passenger figures up by 15 percent. The minister also mentioned the importance of China and Australia, which have now opened to travel.

Lastly, he referred to the high occupancy levels over Greek Easter set to reach 100 percent.