In response to a recent article suggesting Greeks are being priced out of their own country's summer holidays, the Greek finance ministry has countered with official statistics showing a rise in domestic tourism among residents. Omiros Tsapalos, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the evidence points to the opposite conclusion.
According to the Greek statistical authority Elstat, the number of trips and nights spent by Greek residents on leisure, recreation and holidays has been increasing since 2021, reaching a ten-year peak. Over 85% of these trips are within Greece, and more than 70% occur during the summer months of June, July and August.
Further data from Elstat's Household Budget Survey shows that expenditure on 'restaurants, cafes and hotels' has risen faster than any other category, with its share of total household spending at a 16-year high, surpassing pre-crisis levels.
Mr Tsapalos attributed these trends to Greece's economic recovery, characterised by rising employment and real incomes, as documented by Eurostat. He acknowledged that some Greeks still face difficulties but insisted that the government is prioritising welfare improvements and that 'the Greeks’ summer is alive and kicking'.
