Slight decrease by 1% in the number of arrivals occurred relatively to 2009 during the period of the first eight months of the year.

According to data elaborated by the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises from 13 airports in eight months, arrivals from abroad amounted to 7,888,228 vs. 7,969,281 during the corresponding period last year. In August, arrivals showed an increase of 0.67% compared to the same month of 2009, reaching 1,991,410 vs. 2,004,745.

Further, by region in relation to the development of tourism in eight months, the biggest drop of 5.8% experienced arrivals of foreign tourists in the Athens airport. Overall, until August recorded 131,252 fewer arrivals in the capital. Follow a declining trend in arrivals of 4.5% in Thessaloniki, 3.2% in Samos, 2.7% in Aktion, 2.2% in Zakynthos, 2.1% in Chania, 2% Iraklion, 1.3% in Skiathos and 1% in Corfu. Winners destinations during this season is Kos with an increase in arrivals by 10.4%, Santorini by 9% and Rhodes by 8.1%.

In August, showed a drop in air arrivals in Aktion 5.5% in Athens and Thessaloniki at 5% in Chania at 4.1% in Heraklion at 1.9% in Corfu at 0, 15%. Increase record rate of 21.8% had flight arrivals from abroad to Santorini in August compared with same month of 2009. Followed by increases in Kefalonia 11.9%, Kos at a rate of 10.1%, Rhodes was 9.2%, Zakynthos 2.9%, Samos 0.5% and Skiathos at 0.4%.

Note that the year began in January with a drop in foreign arrivals by 2.5% in February there was a decrease of 0.4% in March increased by 10.9% in April declined by 16.1% in May decrease of 0.06% in June fell by 4.1% in July increased by 1.9%.

Source: www.kathimerini.gr