The Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) revealed a 28.8% increase in international arrivals over the first two months of 2014, compared to last year. The data shows that in January and February 2014 a total of 395,307 tourists visited Greece, compared to 306,887 during the same two-month period in 2013.
Athens seems to be one of the more popular destinations, with the traffic at the Athens International Airport increasing by 30% (60,000 visitors) on an annual basis. Things are also looking up for Thessaloniki, where tourist arrivals increased by 17.5% (118,926), as well as Chania (392.4% – 9,449 arrivals), Rhodes (230.8% – 2,114 arrivals), Kalamata (11,400% – 230 arrivals) and Iraklio (76.9% – 247 arrivals).
According to the trivago Hotel price Index, Greece has he lowest hotel prices in March than other competing tourist countries, with the average price in February being 71 euros per night, while in March it is 73 euros per night. Cyprus is similarly priced, with the average hotel room costing 73 euros per night in February and 75 euros in March.
Conversely, France and Italy are amongst the most expensive holiday destinations early in the year, with the average price in March being 126 and 113 euros respectively. Spain and Portugal come next, with the average hotel room in March going for 90 and 77 euros respectively.
Compared to the previous months, prices at popular tourist destinations in Greece are currently in decline (-24% in Delphi). The greatest price drop was for summer destinations, such as at Fira, where the cost of a hotel room dropped by 24% in February.
