Air travel in European countries recorded growth in February 2022, despite Covid-19 disruptions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Greek tourism’s recovery and the main challenges the industry will face this year topped the agenda of an online event held by Eurobank on Thursday.

Greece moved up a spot and is now fourth in the Top 10 preferred countries for travel by Europeans, according to a survey by the European Travel Commission.

The Greek tourism industry achieved the best-case scenario in terms of performance in 2021 with international arrivals recouping 47% and travel receipts 59% of 2019 levels.

Greece is taking a leading role globally in the restart of MICE tourism with its health protocols and best practices, according to Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki.

Despite the anticipated strong performance of tourism in Greece this year, the negative impact of inflation is expected to drag down private spending, according to the Bank of Greece.

Eurocontrol expects air traffic to pick up significantly in the coming months forecasting a recovery of approximately 9.3 million flights across Europe for all of 2022.

Greece’s hotel sector recouped 60% of pre-pandemic 2019 turnover levels marking a recovery of 170%, a new study released by ICAP CRIF found.

Ferry arrivals to the Cyclades islands showed signs of recovery during the third quarter of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, according to data by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

One in four travelers chose to holiday on one of the South Aegean islands placing the region in the lead in terms of Greece’s arrivals, overnight stays and revenues in 2021.

Greece posted double-digit growth in 2021 winning over international travelers seeking to get some sea and sun, according to the latest World Travel Monitor by IPK International.

Passenger traffic is expected to pick up further this summer in Europe’s smaller regional airports but challenges continue to impact the sector.