Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Greece has been overwhelmed by a surge in tourism this summer, leaving locals increasingly worried about the escalating number of visitors flocking to the country, a favorite destination for British travelers. Despite the surge in tourist numbers, Greece is grappling with a spending dilemma. This popular European Union holiday destination has experienced a rise in tourism this summer, but local residents are increasingly worried about the influx of visitors.
In May, total tourism revenue grew by 6.8%, while arrivals soared by 21.3%.
However, fresh data from the national Bank of Greece indicates that the average spending per trip has dropped by 12.2%. Each summer, British tourists flock to Greece’s idyllic islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Crete, and Lesvos, as well as the mainland, with Athens, the historic capital, being a favorite.
The decline in spending per trip began last year. According to the Bank of Greece’s 2023 data, international travelers spent an average of 570.7 euros per trip, a decrease of 3.
5%, or approximately 21 euros, compared to 2022. Over the past two years, there has been a significant 7% reduction in average spending per trip, a concerning trend given the rampant inflation and rising costs of goods and services. Athens Mayor Harris Doukas has expressed concerns about the sustainability of the current tourism model, emphasizing the pressure it places on local communities and the city.
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