The drop in spending from travellers visiting Greece coincides with a fall in the average duration of stays, which dropped by 11.2% the previous year
A hugely popular holiday destination is facing a crisis as visitors refuse to take part in a key holiday activity.
Greece is having to deal with unexpected drop in the amount of cash spent by tourists as the cost of living impacts visitors’ spending in the country.
It has seen a 21.3% boost in tourists in May and a 6.8% rise in revenue brought in by visitors from elsewhere. But the Bank of Greece says the pattern shows travellers are not spending as much as they previously did.
There was an average a 12.2% reduction in spend, with international visitors spending just 570.7 euros in 2023. This represents a fall of 5% compared to last year.
An even bleaker picture is forecast for next year predicting 3.6% fall which could cut average spending to around 550 euros per visit.
The Daily Express reports the drop in spending coincides with a fall in the average duration of stays, which dropped by 11.2% the previous year.
Athens is particularly affected and figures show the deficit in spending per journey reached 7% in the past couple of years. It comes as inflation soars and costs rise sharply.
The Mayor of Athens, Harris Doukas, did not mince his words about the situation during a Euronews interview, saying: “Each visitor brings €0.40 to the city, and we haven’t seen this money yet.”
He further emphasised the imperative for sustainable tourism that benefits both Athens and its inhabitants, insisting, “We need to find a way to make tourism viable.”
It is not the only location affected. Tourist hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos are feeling the strain of their popularity, with locals suffering a housing crunch and rent prices soaring while there is a surge of visitors.
Professor Katerina Kikilia, University of West Attica’s highlighted the consequences: “Athenians face daily the social and environmental impact. The housing crisis is huge.”
Gianluca Chimenti, has been a tour operator and resident on the island for 18 years and noticed a change in night-time activity and the amount of money being spent.
He said: “Although the streets are rammed to the rafters during the day, by night-time, the place is a ghost town.”
The tour guide also noticed the disconnect between online representation and reality.
He said: “The problem is that social media are showing something completely different from what is the reality.”
Chimenti said the future was not looking bright for the island’s economy,
He was blunt about the current situation facing Greece and the impact of the fewer tourists or other travellers reducing the length of time they spend there.
Chimenti added: “The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it’s the worst season ever.”
