According to the Institute of the Hellenic Tourism Business Association
“The positive course of tourism in 2024 confirms its constant contribution to the economy, at a time when nothing is given.” The above was mentioned today by the Secretary General of SETE and President of INSES, George Vernikos during an informative event. However, as he pointed out, “the challenges are existing both in the long-term-such as climate change, economic transformations, geopolitical instability-as well as in business daily life. Many businesses, in mature and non -destinations, are facing marginal conditions due to incomplete funding, increased operating burdens and regulatory uncertainty. The sector, a timeless pillar of the country’s development, needs a consistent and supportive framework to continue to perform. His contribution is essential, but not self -evident. “
During the event, the latest study of the Institute of the Hellenic Tourism Enterprises (INSE) was presented on the event: “His contribution tourism In the Greek economy in 2024. ” Regarding the immediate contribution of the sector for the previous year, it amounted to EUR 30.2 billion and is divided into the sizes of incoming tourism (€ 21.6 billion including cruise passenger passenger), air transport (€ 2.9 billion), maritime shipping (€ 147), maritime shipping (€ 147), maritime shipping (€ 147). Cruise (799 million), domestic tourism (EUR 2.3 billion) and domestic added value (EUR 2.5 billion).
It is noted that according to ELSTAT’s first estimate, the country’s GDP, at current prices, in 2024 stood at 237.6 billion euros by 5.5% compared to 2023.
The immediate impact of tourism increased by 5% compared to EUR 28.8 billion in 2023 with increases in all individual costs (incoming tourism, cruise, transport, domestic tourism, investment).
At the same time, investments amounted to € 5.1 billion, of which about € 2.4 billion are estimated to be a domestic added value.
Based on the estimates of multipliers from IOBE and KEPE, from every 1 euro tourist activity, an additional 1.2 to 1.65 euros are created. Essentially, for every 1 euro tourist revenue, the country’s GDP increases by 2.2 to 2.65 euros. Taking into account the multiplier benefits, the total contribution of tourism to the country’s economy in 2024 is estimated between EUR 66.5 billion and EUR 80.1 billion, magnitude between 28.0% to 33.7% of GDP. The corresponding figures for 2023 were between 63.3 billion- 76.2 billion euros corresponding to 28.1% to 33.9% of GDP.
With 77% of incoming tourism revenue being made outside Attica, tourism steadily enhances employment and regional development, contributing substantially to employment and income. South Aegean with a share of 28% on the receipts, Crete with 22%, Ionian islands with 10% and Central Macedonia with 7% concentrate almost 2/3 (67%) of the proceeds, highlighting the possibilities for further dissemination of tourism activity in the other regions.
In 2024, tourism employment rose 4.8% compared to 2023, reaching 401,000 employees, while in the third quarter (Q3) a historic record was recorded with 451,400 employees – the highest number since the launch of the workforce. This increase is mainly evident in the accommodation and catering services, with increases starting from +9% in the first quarter and remain positive in all quarters. Particularly intense is the rise in accommodation ( +12% or +12,000 employees), but also in the focus ( +2% or +6,000 employees). Based on the assumption that accommodation and focus absorb about 63.3% of tourism expenditure, it is estimated that at the peak of the season, tourism has created up to 713,140 jobs, ie 16.5% of total employment in the country, reported to RES.
“The Greek economy ranks 59th among 141 countries in the WEF competitiveness index or 52nd between 67 countries in the corresponding index of IMD, while Greek tourism competitiveness is in 21st among 119 countries in TTDI index, winning 7 places in the last 3 years,” said I. Employees in the field, in particular, are the strongest dimensions of the Greek tourist experience. In order to make full use of the sector’s capabilities we need to overcome the complacency that tourism, whatever it is, will continue to invest and perform. Adopt a coherent strategic plan that will coordinate public and private efforts, improving points that we have been lagging behind, such as destination management, cleanliness of public spaces, regional road networks, anarchic urban planning, ease of touring, information. Equally important is the commitment to sustainability, protecting our landscapes and cultural heritage and adopting resistant practices to deal with climate change. “
SETE President Yiannis Paraschis said: “Greek tourism has made a significant recovery after the pandemic, but the international map is constantly changing. New challenges, such as geopolitical upheavals and economic wars, require us durability and adaptation. At the same time, sustainable development is crucial. As a responsible social partner, SETE is already promoting the initiative to self -regulate the sector. As for what is heard of over -tourism phenomena, Greece has no question. However, where pressure or saturation phenomena are observed in specific destinations, we must act immediately. Finally, promoting tourism issues requires a new strategic approach, with constant cooperation between government, local government and private sector. “
For his part, the scientific director of INSEU ‘Aris Ikkos presented the key points of the exhibition, stressing that: “The study focuses on the development footprint of tourism for the whole country, in depth examining its immediate impacts, such as revenue, investment, cruise and cruise. Although it provides valuable data on the broader image, further analysis is needed to accurately visualize the contribution of tourism to the various sectors and regions of the country, in order to fully understand its effects on local and sectoral levels and to ensure its development in a strategic and sustainable way. “
