Tourists visit Greece in greater numbers but spend less

Greece is experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals, yet these visitors are spending less, according to recent data. While accommodation businesses saw a 6.1% increase in turnover in the second quarter, reaching 3.303 billion euros, the restaurant sector experienced a 2.5% decline, with turnover falling to 3.164 billion euros.

This shift in spending patterns is primarily linked to the financial pressures faced by European citizens, particularly Germans. The Bank of Greece reported that in June, the average per-capita travel expenditure outside of hotels and accommodations dropped by 6.2%. Tourists spent an average of 668.5 euros, down from 712.5 euros in June of the previous year.

This change suggests a modification in tourist behavior, with visitors potentially limiting their budgets or shortening their stays despite their increased presence. Regional data further supports this trend. For accommodations, the largest turnover increase was observed in Thessaloniki (13.8%), while Halkidiki saw a modest 2.0% rise. Mykonos, however, experienced a 1.5% decrease in accommodation turnover.

In contrast, the restaurant sector saw significant declines in areas like Achaia (11.7%) and Thira (0.2% decrease). Parios, however, recorded a 6.1% increase in restaurant turnover. These figures highlight a divergence in how tourists are engaging with different sectors of the Greek economy, prioritizing stays over dining out.