Tourism in Greece
Economy of Greece |
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Overview |
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History |
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Tourism in Greece has been a key element of the economic activity in the country, and is one of the country's most important sectors.
Greece attracted as many as 31.3 million visitors in 2019, up from 24 million in 2015,[4][5][6][7] making Greece one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world, and contributing to approximately 25% to the nation's Gross Domestic Product.[8]
Greece is one of Europe's most popular
History
Tourism in Greece traces its roots to ancient times. Cultural exchange took place between the Greek colonies of Magna Graeca and the young Roman Republic before Rome's rise to dominance of the Western Mediterranean. When Greece was annexed by the
Tourism in modern-day Greece started to flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, in what became known as
Land and climate
Greece has a Mediterranean climate along its coasts and islands. Once inland, many areas and cities experience a continental climate.[10]
Summers are usually hot and dry, while winters are generally mild and wet. Northern Greece can experience cold winters, while Southern Greece and the islands experience considerably milder winters.[11]
Infrastructure
As a developed country highly dependent on tourism, Greece offers a wide variety of tourist facilities.
Beach resorts
Some popular beach resorts include Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Zante and Skiathos attracting millions of foreign tourists every year.[14]
Hotels and facilities
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The five-star Porto Carras Hotel Resort in Chalkidiki hosted the European Union leader's summit in 2003
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Hotel in Corfu
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Imaret Hotel in Kavala
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Megaron Hotel in Heraklion
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Hotel Pyrgos in Mytilene
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Costa Navarino inMessinia
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Hotels in Elounda, Crete
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Sani Resort in Sani , Chalkidiki
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Kyrimai Hotel in Mani , Messinia
According to the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels in 2016, the number of hotels in Greece was by classification (bedplaces):[15]
Star rating | Number | Beds |
---|---|---|
5 star | 444 | 137,210 |
4 star | 1,412 | 203,203 |
3 star | 2,472 | 185,560 |
2 star | 3,990 | 210,365 |
1 star | 1,412 | 52,215 |
Total | 9,730 | 788,553 |
Marinas
Greece has 51
Some of the most developed and busiest marinas in Greece are just a few kilometres from the centre of Athens. The marinas of Alimos and Flisvos, on the south coast of Athens, have an aggregated capacity of more than 1,800 vessels.
Spas and thermal springs
Greece has 752 thermal
Cultural attractions
Museums
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Several kinds of museums are located in the Hellenic Republic. Generally speaking, every major city and town in Greece has its own Archaeological Museum, which houses findings from the nearby area. However, most of them can be found in the big cities like
Archaeological sites and cities
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2018) |
There are numerous archaeological sites dotted all around Greece, many of which are popular with tourists.
The Greek capital,
.In the adjacent area of
Central Greece is the location of
The
In the centre of the Peloponnese are
On the western side of the peninsula are Bassae, an archaeological site in the northeastern part of Messenia; Messene itself, the ruins of a large classical city-state refounded by Epaminondas in 369 BC; and, at Pylos, the ruins of the Palace of Nestor, which is the primary structure within a larger Late Helladic era settlement, likely once surrounded by a fortified wall. In the northwest is Olympia, with many ancient ruins, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Palaestra and the Leonidaion.
Archaeological sites in Epirus, the western part of mainland Greece, include Ambracia, the ruins of the ancient capital of Pyrrhus of Epirus; Dodona, whose shrine was regarded as the oldest Hellenic oracle, possibly dating to the second millennium BC according to Herodotus; Elaea, near the mouth of the Acheron; and Gitanae. Nicopolis or Actia Nicopolis, also in Epirus, was founded 31 BC by Octavian in memory of his victory over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium the previous year. In addition, there are the ruins believed by some to be those of the Necromanteion of Acheron, an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone.
Thessaly, another region of central Greece, has an archaeological site in Larissa, the Frourio Hill, which is the location of an ancient theatre and the ruins of a basilica.
The second city of Greece, Thessaloniki, is nicknamed the "Co-capital". It has many historic buildings, some World Heritage Sites, including the Arch and Rotunda of Galerius, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon and the White Tower.
In the adjacent region of Macedonia, there is
Other archaeological sites in Macedonia include Olynthus in Chalcidice; Philippi, established by the king of Macedon, Philip II, on the site of the Thracian colony of Krinides or Crenides; Amphipolis, an ancient city once inhabited by the Edoni people; Leibethra, an ancient city close to Olympus where Orpheus was buried by the Muses; Stagira, ruins of the ancient city known as the birthplace of Aristotle; and Vergina, a World Heritage Site, the location of the Macedonian Royal Tombs and the ruins of the ancient Macedonian capital.
The Greek islands have numerous historical sites of their own.
Santorini, one of the Cyclades, is the location of Ancient Thera, an antique city on a ridge of the steep, 360 m high Messavouno mountain, and of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement.
The Samothrace temple complex is one of the principal Pan-Hellenic religious sanctuaries, located on the island of Samothrace.
Alternate tourism
LGBT tourism
Greece also is one of Europe's most popular LGBT tourist destinations, particularly its largest cities Athens and Thessaloniki and some of its islands such as Lesbos, Santorini, Skiathos and Mykonos.[19][20] The latter is a well-known Gay-friendly destination with many establishments catering for the LGBT community.[21][22][23] Skiathos and Mykonos are ranked among the most LGBT-friendly destinations in Europe and the world.[24][25]
Religious tourism
Greece is promoting religious tourism and pilgrimages to regions with a significant historical religious presence, such as the Christian monasteries in Meteora and Mount Athos, in cooperation with other countries.[26]
Medical tourism
Greece's temperate climate, highly-trained medical staff, and cutting-edge medical innovations also are contributing to the country's medical travel industry.[27]
Ecotourism
Greece has become in recent years a destination for ecotourism (especially hiking, canoeing, caving and climbing).[28] The main destinations for skiing in Greece are Arachova, Kalavryta, Karpenisi and Metsovo.[29] The Greek government is trying to bring more and more ecotourism to help and save the environment. So tourists and locals alike can have a clean environment.[30]
Conference tourism
Four Seasons & Winter tourism
The government intends to promote four seasons & winter tourism in Greece, which could potentially increase international arrivals even further.[31]
Economic impact
At the same time, tourism consumption increased considerably since the turn of the millennium, from US$17.7 bn. in 2000 to US$29.6 bn. in 2004. The numbers of jobs directly or indirectly related to the tourism
Revenues by countries
Greece earned €17,257,000,000 (around 11% of the total GDP) through its tourism industry, in 2022.[32]
The top four countries by revenue (in ‘000 euros) were:
Rank | Country | Number |
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1 | Germany | €3,256,000 |
2 | United Kingdom | €3,127,000 |
3 | France | €1,277,000 |
4 | USA | €1,200,000 |
Visitors
In 2009, the country welcomed over 19.3 million tourists,[33] a major increase from the 17.7 million tourists the country welcomed in 2008.[34] The vast majority of tourists in the country are from within the European Union (12.7 million), followed by those from the Americas (0.56 million), Asia (0.52 million), Oceania (0.1 million) and Africa (0.06 million).[35] In the year 2007, more British people visited the country than any other nationality, numbering 2.61 million in total, making up 15% of the country's tourists for that year alone. Additionally, 2.3 million Germans, 1.8 million Albanians and 1.1 million Bulgarians visited the country that year.[35] In 2007, 92.8% of the total number of tourists in Greece were from countries in Europe.[35]
The most-visited
According to a survey conducted in China in 2015, Greece was voted as the Chinese people's number one choice as a tourist destination.[36] In November 2016, Austria, like China, announced that Greece was the favourite tourist destination for its citizens.[37] In line with these observations, Greece's former Minister of Tourism Aris Spiliotopoulos announced the opening of a Greek National Tourism Organization office in Shanghai by the end of 2010, and GNTO currently operates two tourism offices in China, one in Shanghai and one in Beijing.[38] It is estimated that throughout 2013 Greece welcomed over 17.93 million tourists, an increase of 10% compared to 2012. More than 22 million tourists visited Greece in 2014 and this number increased to 26 million visitors in 2015 and is projected to attract 28 million visitors in 2016,[39][40][41] making it one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world. Tourism in Greece will typically peak between May and September where approximately 75% of all tourist visits happen.[42]
Arrivals by countries
In 2022, UK ranked as the leading tourist market for Greece with approximately 4.4 million tourists visiting the country. Germany and France followed on the ranking with roughly 4.3 million and 1.7 million travelers in Greece, respectively.[32][43] Traditionally, Germany, UK, Italy, France and USA have been the main tourist markets for Greece.[32][44][45][46][47] In 2022, the top 10 countries of arrival were:[32]
Rank | Country | Number |
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1 | United Kingdom | 4,485,257 |
2 | Germany | 4,352,348 |
3 | Bulgaria | 1,812,084 |
4 | France | 1,757,612 |
5 | Italy | 1,413,165 |
6 | Romania | 1,378,758 |
7 | United States | 1,088,680 |
8 | Netherlands | 1,058,851 |
9 | Albania | 859,624 |
10 | Poland | 816,839 |
Total Arrivals | 27,835,541,767 |
Promoting Greek tourism
Tourism in Greece is run by the
The advertisements displayed in the GNTO's web"site still focus on the triptych of sea, sun and sand. However, the tourism campaign is undergoing a significant change as city-breaks and conference tourism are promoted, along with cultural and wellness tourism. The impact of the new campaign will hopefully result in increased tourist revenues. The name of commercials is "
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The city ofLake of Kastoria
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The Lion of Amphipolis, near the Kasta Tomb
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Ski resort in Falakro
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Tempe valley
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Parnassus ski resort
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The Epirote town of Metsovo
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Mainland Greece
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Overview of Parga, on the Ionian coast
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Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, in Rhodes island
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Mastichochoria, in Chios island
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View of the archeological site of Delphi
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The ancient theatre of Epidaurus
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The Palace of Mystras, Peloponnese
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Theater ofmodern Sparta and Mt. Taygetusin the background
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Towerhouses ofMani peninsula.
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The Rock of Monemvasia
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The city of Nafplio
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Symi island, South Aegean
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Sarakiniko Beach in Milos island, Cyclades
See also
References
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- ^ Greece by Paul Hellander, Kate Armstrong, Michael Clark, Des Hannigan
- ^ "13 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the World". Travel+Leisure. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ "Tourism Ministry statistics impress". 30 January 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
- ^ "Extra 2 million tourists to visit Greece". Avgi. 6 April 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
- ^ "Historic records for tourism (Ιστορικό ρεκόρ για τον τουρισμό)". topontiki.gr. 5 September 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ "UNWTO". Tweeter. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ "Tourism involves everyone". 5 February 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ a b "Greece Tourism: Information about tourism in Greece and the Greek Islands". greeka.com. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ^ "Climate in Greece: temperature, precipitation, when to go, what to pack". www.climatestotravel.com. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
- ^ "Climate of the World: Greece | weatheronline.co.uk". www.weatheronline.co.uk. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
- ^ "Country Information". Retrieved 9 June 2015.
- ^ "Luxury Resorts and Residences in Greece – Costa Navarino". Retrieved 9 June 2015.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
{{cite web}}
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- ^ "Hellenic Association of Municipalities With Thermal Springs". www.thermalsprings.gr. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
- ^ "Hellenic Association of Municipalities With Thermal Springs". www.thermalsprings.gr. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
- ^ TheKoProSkila (29 November 2012). "Sarlitza Palace Hotel, Thermi – Lesvos". Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2017 – via YouTube.
- ^ "LGBT Travellers". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
- ^ "'Gay September in Greece' Campaign Highlights Country's Best for LGBT Tourists". GTP. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
- ^ Duncan Garwood, Mediterranean Europe, 2009
- ^ Lloyd E. Hudman, Richard H. Jackson, Geography of travel and tourism, 2003
- ^ Harry Coccossis, Alexandra Mexa, The challenge of tourism carrying capacity assessment: theory and practice, 2004
- ^ "The 15 most gay-friendly places on the planet". Lonely Planet. 4 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "10 of Europe's best destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers this Pride season". The Guardian. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
- ^ "Greece Focuses on Religious Tourism, Explores Cooperation with Russia". gtp.gr. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ "Medical Tourism Market in Greece: Current Trends and the Future". Medical Tourism Magazine. MedicalTourism.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ Interview: Natali Dologlou, MIRC, Greece, 21 January 2016
- ^ Winter vacations in Greece, on visitgreece.gr
- ^ "SGI 2020 Greece Environmental Policies". Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Kountoura: The goal is to promote Greece as a destination of four seasons (original: Κουντουρά: Στόχος η προώθηση της Ελλάδας ως προορισμού τεσσάρων εποχών". 25 August 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Εξέλιξη τουριστικών μεγεθών και δεικτών των κυριότερων αγορών εισερχόμενου τουρισμού στην Ελλάδα" (PDF) (in Greek). August 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ a b c "Nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments – regional – annual data". epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu. 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "Tourism" (PDF). epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu. 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "24.2 mln tourist arrivals in Greece in 2014". Proto thema. April 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
- ^ "People's Daily Online -- Minister says Greece, China to be best tourist partners". Retrieved 9 June 2015.
- ^ "voiceofgreece.gr". www.voiceofgreece.gr.
- ^ "GNTO Offices Abroad". visitgreece.gr. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ Ioanna Zikakou (25 August 2015). "New Record for Greek Tourism: Around 26M Arrivals in 2015".
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- ^ "Πρεσβευτής τουρισμού ο... Σάκης Ρουβάς!". www.enet.gr (in Greek). 18 February 2009. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 25 May 2023.