Greece's tourism revenue reached €1.5 billion in October

According to the Greek Minister of Tourism, Vasilis Kikilias, tourism receipts in October 2018 reached €1.5 billion, outperforming October 2019 by 3.3%.

According to Minister Kikilias, this is due to a rise in arrivals from key markets with which strategic agreements were signed this year, notably +69.2% from the United Kingdom, +10.6% from Germany, and +6% from France, compared to October 2019.

At the same time, arrivals from other countries climbed significantly, with +12.3 percent from the United States, +28.1 percent from France, and +83.2 percent from the United Kingdom overall.

“These performances in the month of October prove de facto that the lengthening of the tourist season has become a reality, and they mean multiple revenues not only for the branded islands, but also for the less popular mainland destinations, Athens and Thessaloniki,” he pointed out in this regard.

Furthermore, he emphasised that the three billion euro surplus that will be allotted this year will be distributed to vulnerable groups, families, and people in need, noting that Greece has demonstrated how much it tries to support society. During the epidemic, the country allocated €44 billion to its residents in various forms, €10 billion of which was for electricity.

The Minister of Tourism indicated at the end of last month that Greece's travel income would exceed the 2021 budget by three billion euros by the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, he added that Fraport's airports increased by 14.9% in October compared to October 2019. As a result, the turnover in accommodation and hotels increased by 22.1 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively, in the third quarter of this year.

According to Kikilias, the occupancy rate in tourism destination accommodations has also increased dramatically, reaching 100%.

Furthermore, the Minister of Tourism stated that €100 million would be allocated from the "Save-Operate" initiative to assist owners of small hotels and hostels in mountain locations most hit by the energy crisis. He also confirmed that the donation to "Tourism for All" will continue until January 31, 2023.

Noting that Greece is regarded as one of the most important tourist brands in the world, the Greek government said that tourism revenue has already surpassed €18 billion this year.

By fLEXI tEAM