Greece expected to welcome extra million tourists in 2017

With a significant percentage of bookings made on discounted rates, it is uncertain whether the increase will be reflected in tourism revenue

A panoramic view of Lindos bay, Rhodes island, Greece.

04 May 2017

Greek tourism is projected to reach an all-time high this year with an extra million people expected to visit.

In a meeting on Wednesday president of the Hellenic Hotel Federation and next chief of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) Yiannis Retsos said that in addition to a higher occupancy rate, the number of nights spent by tourists at hotels will also reach new highs.

While a positive development, Retsos didn't speculate about whether the higher numbers would also be reflected in the revenue, as some 50 per cent of bookings made were on discounted rates.

In fact, if last year is anything to go by, increased foot traffic saw a drop in takings, reportsKathimerini.

At this stage revenue of €14.5 billion is seen to be a feasible figure for 2017, though the tourism industry is expected to wait until July before making any forecasts.

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