Economic Contribution of Thessaloniki and Halkidiki to Greece’s Tourism Industry: New Records and Trends

Greece’s tourism industry remains a key driver of its economy, with the regions of Thessaloniki and Halkidiki playing a vital role in maintaining this momentum. In 2023, their economic contribution was significant, highlighting the growing importance of these regions to the entire country. Let’s take a closer look at how these regions are contributing to the development of Greece’s tourism sector.

Halkidiki Peninsula

Halkidiki is a gem of Northern Greece, renowned for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. In 2023, the region showed impressive results: its contribution to the national turnover of accommodation and food services amounted to 2.3%, equivalent to €462.29 million. Halkidiki is home to 3,503 businesses, underscoring the region’s significance as a tourist destination.

The results of the second quarter of this year are particularly impressive. Revenue from accommodation services increased by 20.4%, bringing an additional income of €65.38 million compared to the same period last year. The food service sector also performed strongly, with a growth of 25.2%, amounting to €40.48 million. These figures make Halkidiki one of the country’s leaders in growth.

Pieria Region

Pieria is a region with a smaller share in overall turnover, but its contribution should not be underestimated. In 2023, the region accounted for 0.9% of Greece’s total tourism revenue, equivalent to €183.72 million. It hosts 2,113 businesses, the majority of which are related to food services, generating €103.53 million in revenue.

In the second quarter of 2024, Pieria’s food service sector grew by 9.2%, while the accommodation sector saw an 8.1% increase. These indicators point to steady development in the region, which, despite its size, successfully competes with larger tourist destinations.

Kavala and Thasos

Although Kavala and Thasos do not lead in tourism revenue volumes, they showed nearly identical results. In 2023, both regions contributed 0.6% to the country’s total revenue. Kavala’s turnover reached €117.45 million, while Thasos achieved €115.302 million.

In the second quarter of this year, both regions also demonstrated growth: Kavala’s accommodation turnover increased by 34.3%, while Thasos saw a 15.6% rise. The food service sector also showed strong performance, with growth of 17.2% in Kavala and 14.9% in Thasos.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is one of Greece’s largest cities, ranking second after Attica in terms of tourism revenue. In 2023, the city’s 5,934 businesses generated €1.401 billion, accounting for 7% of the national total. Notably, Thessaloniki boasts a significant number of food service businesses, with a turnover of €786.09 million.

In the second quarter of 2024, the city continued to show positive trends: food service revenue grew by 3%, and accommodation sector turnover increased by 2.9%. These figures confirm Thessaloniki’s status as a major hub for tourism and hospitality in Greece.

The regions of Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, along with Pieria, Kavala, and Thasos, play a key role in the development of Greece’s tourism industry. In 2023 and the first half of 2024, these regions not only demonstrated steady growth but also made a significant contribution to national revenues. Their success reaffirms that the tourism industry remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy and points to potential for further growth and development in the future.