Photo source: Epirus Region
The Region of Epirus recently unveiled a new tourism promotion program aimed at increasing its visibility in key international markets.
According to an announcement from the regional authority, the initiative is aligned with recent findings from an study from INSETE, the research institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), which highlighted a significant rise in tourist arrivals and tourism revenues in recent years.
Targeting key European markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, the strategy also focuses on promoting Epirus to Israel and Balkan countries, including Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. According to the the regional authority, these regions benefit from the ease of road access to Epirus, positioning them as prime targets for tourism campaigns.
Additionally, the program will target traditional markets like France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on marine tourism and the diverse attractions the region has to offer.
Epirus’ strong presence at major tourism fairs
Representing Epirus at the Philoxenia 2024 exhibition. Photo source: Epirus Region
To boost its tourism presence further, the Region of Epirus will participate in eight major international tourism fairs through 2025. “These events will provide a platform for Epirus to showcase its offerings and attract potential visitors,” the authority said in its announcement. Key fairs include:
– ITB Berlin (March)
– TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS in Nicosia (April)
– IFTM–TOP RESA in Paris (September)
– Dusseldorf TOUR NATUR CARAVAN SALON (late August)
– TTG TRAVEL EXPERIENCE in Rimini, Italy (October)
– T.M. in London (November)
– Philoxenia in Thessaloniki (November)
– Warsaw’s ITTF (November)
According to Epirus Governor Alexandros Kachrimanis, participation in international tourism fairs has been a significant driver of increased tourism inflows.
On her part, regional official for tourism and trade, Ioulia Markoula, noted that in 2023, tourism contributed 10 percent to the region’s GDP. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of visitors surged by 66 percent, growing from 1 million to 1.7 million. Notably, the number of tourists increased by 58 percent from 2022 to 2023 alone.
Visitor growth across key markets
Photo source: Epirus Region
Tourist growth was observed across all key markets. According to INSETE data, visitor numbers increased significantly between 2022 and 2023:
– Albanian tourists rose by 12 percent, from 196,000 to 219,000.
– German visitors grew by 61 percent, from 50,000 to 80,000.
– British travelers increased by 46 percent, from 52,000 to 76,000.
– Italian visitors rose by 27 percent, from 45,000 to 57,000.
– Arrivals by other nationalities surged by 73 percent, from 740,000 to 1.3 million.
Data from INSETE in 2023 revealed that the largest share of tourists in Epirus came from Albania (13 percent), followed by Germany (5 percent), the UK (4 percent), and Italy (3 percent).
Additionally, the share of visitors from the rest of the world grew from 65 percent in 2019 to 75 parent in 2023, highlighting Epirus’ expanding appeal on the global stage.
Tourism revenues surge
Photo source: Epirus Region
Despite a 24 percent decrease in average spending per visitor (from 253 euros in 2019 to 193 euros in 2023), Epirus’ overall tourism revenues saw a notable increase. Total revenues rose by 26 percent, from 261 million euros in 2019 to 330 million euros in 2023. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, tourism revenues surged by 27 percent, from 260 million to 330 million euros.
With continued investment in tourism promotion and participation in global fairs, the Region of Epirus is well-positioned to maintain its upward trend and solidify its status as a premier travel destination.
Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
Source link
