Greece witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals, welcoming a staggering 32 million visitors from January to November 2023, as per data unveiled by the Bank of Greece on Monday.
The inbound travel movement experienced a notable upswing, registering a 17.3% increase and totaling 31.97 million travelers, a substantial rise from the 27.25 million recorded in 2022. This surge in tourist arrivals translated into a commendable 15.4% spike in travel receipts, reaching a significant €20.1 billion.
Breaking down the transportation statistics, air travel witnessed a solid 12.5% increase, reflecting the growing preference for aerial routes. Meanwhile, road border crossings saw a remarkable surge of 34.5%, underlining the diverse ways in which tourists are choosing to explore the country.
Examining the source of these visitors, travel receipts from European Union (EU) residents rose by 11%, amounting to an impressive €10.9 billion. Non-EU residents also contributed significantly, with their travel receipts experiencing an 18.4% boost and reaching €8.4 billion. Noteworthy contributors to this influx were Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
However, amidst this overall positive trend, it is worth noting that receipts from Russian tourists witnessed a 22.8% decline, indicating a shift in travel patterns. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including geopolitical considerations or changes in economic conditions.
