Source on greekcitytimes.com
According to New Money, tourist receipts in Greece have reached 1.5 billion euros from January to April, marking a 15% increase compared to 2019. Athens has emerged as the frontrunner, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, while Mykonos is experiencing slower performance compared to other popular Greek destinations this year.
Athens is set to continue its positive trajectory into the summer, with data indicating it as one of the top 10 city destinations globally for summer travel. In May, Athens recorded an impressive 11.1% increase in passenger traffic compared to May 2019, with June showing a similar trend.
Athens, the 10th most sought-after city destination internationally
ForwardKeys, a travel analysis company, ranks Athens as the 10th most sought-after city destination internationally, up from the 11th position in 2022. This highlights the city's growing appeal. Meanwhile, seaside destinations continue to witness increased flight bookings (+22%), and city destinations are also showing strong recovery (+42%).
Athens Airport is expecting a 16.2% increase in planned summer season capacity until October, reaching over 8.1 million passengers. The positive signs extend to Greek tourism as a whole, with Bank of Greece and Hellenic Statistical Authority data indicating a significant boost in tourist receipts and arrivals compared to previous years.
However, Mykonos is facing challenges, as reflected in air traffic data. The island's passenger numbers have decreased by 5.7% compared to the same period last year and 10.1% compared to 2019. Mykonos Airport has also seen a reduction in seat planning, down by over 17% compared to 2022.
Seat Distribution per month - Summer season
Despite the challenges, Greece remains an attractive destination, with Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Germany being the top markets. Israel and Austria have also shown increased interest, albeit with fewer seats available.
The Greek tourism industry continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, with Athens leading the way and Mykonos working towards a recovery. The official figures provide valuable insights into the current state of Greece's tourism sector.
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