Source: news.gtp.gr
Greece's tourism industry is rebounding strongly in 2023, with arrivals up 18.4% in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2022. This is according to data released by the Bank of Greece on October 23, 2023.
The increase in arrivals was driven by strong demand from both domestic and international travelers. Domestic arrivals increased by 12.4% in January-August 2023, while international arrivals increased by 22.6%.
The most popular destinations for international travelers in January-August 2023 were the Greek islands, followed by Athens and Thessaloniki. The most popular destinations for domestic travelers were the Greek islands, followed by Athens and Epirus.
The rebound in tourism is good news for the Greek economy, as tourism is a major contributor to GDP and employment. The Greek Statistical Authority estimates that tourism contributed €33 billion to the Greek economy in 2022, accounting for around 20% of GDP and directly and indirectly employing over 1 million people.
The Bank of Greece expects tourism to continue to grow in 2023, with arrivals projected to reach 35 million, up from 32.6 million in 2022. This would be the highest level of tourism arrivals in Greece since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rebound in tourism is a positive sign for the Greek economy, which is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry is a major contributor to the Greek economy and helps to create jobs. The Greek government is investing in tourism infrastructure and promoting Greece as a tourist destination, and these efforts are paying off.