Tourism foreign exchange revenues were up 10% in the January-August period this year, compared with the corresponding period in 2010, totalling 7.718 billion euros, while tourist arrivals grew 9.9% over the same period, the Bank of Greece said in a report.
The central bank’s report noted that the tourism sector was taking a leading role in the Greek economy, helped by a strong recovery in tourist arrivals in the country. A total of 10.33 million visitors arrived in Greek airports in the January-September period this year, up 9.67% compared with the same period in 2010, a very significant figure for air travel in the country. Tourism industry officials expect foreign visitors numbers to reach 16.5 million euros this year, with tourism revenues rising more than 12% for the year. Industry officials said that a 10% rise in tourism revenues equals a 1.0 % increase in the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
AMNA
