Greek economy’s recession will continue next year with the exception of tourism sector, European Union estimates.
After this year’s record, 2016 is also expected to see an increase in the numbers of tourists that visit Greece.
Following Greek economy’s brief return to growth in 2014, EU expects a 1.3% contraction in 2016.
Economic recession would be greater if it wasn’t for tourism, which, from year to year, does increasingly better and already contributes 20% of the country’s GDP.
Arrivals and revenue growth
Despite negative headlines for closing banks, imposing capital controls and strikes, the number of tourists in 2015 increased to about 26 million from 22 million in 2014.
According to Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), tourism revenue grew from 14.3 billion in 2014 to 14.5 in 2015 and 2016 may well prove to be another record year for Greek tourism.
Extra tourists from Russia
Two million extra tourists are expected mainly from Russia.
Egypt and Turkey, two top favourite destinations of Russians until recently, lost momentum after the crash of a Russian aircraft in the Sinai Peninsula in late October with 224 victims and the shooting down of a Russian fighter by a Turkish pilot.
Greek tourism can definitely benefit from that while more German tourists are also expected to visit the country in 2016.
Source: Deutsche Welle
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
