This year, the Oniroupoli of Drama confirms its role as one of the country’s most dynamic Christmas destinations, with visitor numbers at high seasonal levels and significant benefits for the local economy. Despite challenges in transportation that have arisen in recent weeks, the flow of visitors remains steady, supporting accommodations, dining, and commercial businesses in the area.
Christos Mavridis, Executive Advisor of Oniroupoli, told Tornos News that “visitor numbers at the park so far have been high for this period,” emphasizing that interest is not limited to domestic travelers. Participation from visitors from Turkey and Bulgaria is particularly notable, confirming the cross-border appeal of the event, while significant attendance also comes from many areas of Greece, including Athens, Piraeus, Ioannina, Kozani, Mytilene, and Crete.
The increased visitor numbers are immediately reflected in the occupancy rates of hotels and other accommodations in Drama and the surrounding region, which are exceptionally high for the holiday period. Hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rental properties report increased demand, while the boost in traffic translates into higher revenue for restaurants, retail, and services, offering a tangible economic boost to the local market.
Regarding access to the destination, no major obstacles for visitors have been reported so far, apart from some delays related to detour routes. According to Christos Mavridis, Oniroupoli is operating smoothly, with visitors reaching their destination as planned, albeit with minor time delays in some cases.
At the same time, it is clear that smooth access is a critical factor for the sustainability of such events in the future. The Executive Advisor of Oniroupoli expressed hope that the situation will soon improve through the resolution of issues affecting various productive sectors, such as farmers, livestock breeders, and beekeepers, highlighting the importance of tourism coexisting with primary production and the needs of local communities.
This year’s picture of Oniroupoli shows that thematic events can serve as a strong driver of winter tourism, attracting visitors from both domestic and international markets and substantially strengthening the local economy. At the same time, it highlights the need for stable infrastructure and coordinated solutions so that success is not dependent on circumstances but can achieve a stable and long-term character.
