Rise in tourism revenue in January

Tourism has been steadily growing in the past year and, according to new data released by the Bank of Greece, the sky is the limit. January 2014 has seen a 22.4% rise in traveling revenue compared to last January, with travel balance up by 2 million euros.

More specifically, tourist revenue, including those from cruise ships in the country, were at 159 million euros in January, while a year before it was at 130 million. The traveling revenue increase reflects both the rise in arrivals by 10.6% and the one in travel expenses by 10.9%.

Where did the additional tourists came from, is probably the most encouraging fact, with the Germans arriving en mass and the Russians confirming the rising power in tourism they exhibited last summer. Revenues from Germany were up by 29.4% in January, while non EU countries revenues, meaning predominantly Russia, were up by 26.9%.

EU winter tourism revenue was up by 10 million euros (68 million, as opposed to 58 million in January 2013), or 17.4%. That is attributed mostly to Eurozone tourists, with revenue rising by 18.7%, or 7 million euros (45 million this January, as opposed to 37 million last January).

Figures are enhancing an already existing trend in summer tourism. They show that Greece is becoming more attractive to tourists in Europe not just during the traditionally lucrative summer months, but also during the not so popular winter season. The trend could be attributed to competitiveness, or just the end of international speculation for the future of Greek economy.