October’s statistical data have forced the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) to once again revise this year’s predictions regarding tourist arrivals. According to SETE, the number of international arrivals is expected to reach 20.5 million, a significant increase compared to the 19.5 million arrivals, which was the previous estimate, not including people traveling on cruises. If the provisional Bank of Greece data regarding 1.2 million road and maritime arrivals are confirmed – not taking cruises into account – then the total number of arrivals will exceed 21 million when the same number stood at 17. 9 million in 2013 and 15.5 million in 2012. During the first semester, cruise arrivals showed a slight increase compared to 2013, with the total number standing at around 2.5 million. Overall, the new visitor arrival estimate for 2014 reaches 23 million, showing a 15% increase compared to 2013. International air arrivals in Greece continued in October, rising at a rate of 23.5%, resulting in a 15% increase during the ten month period between January and October 2014, compared to the previous year. SETE President Andreas Andreadis stated: “The latest figures show the great potential of Greek tourism. Despite the worsening economic climate in Europe and Russia, and the highly volatile environment in the region, at the end of 2014, Greece is expected to rise on the list of 15 countries with the largest tourism rate in the world. We are moving considerably faster than expected to achieve the tourism strategic plan ‘2021 Growth Roadmap’ goals.” Andreadis also noted that it is imperative for all Greeks to “move together: government, political parties, social partners, tour operators and employees, in order to further shield the sector, boost investment, improve quality, support small and medium tourism enterprises, and improve competitiveness and sustainability of the Greek tourism, as well as further increase the quality and quantity of employment in the sector.”
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