Greece welcomed a record number of tourists during 2013, according to the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE).
A record 12.7 million people traveller to the main Greek airports during 2013, up 10.8% compared to the previous year.
Crete had the most tourists than other destinations with 3.3 million visitors, while Athens and Thessaloniki saw some of the largest increases.
Kalamata in the south-west Peloponnese saw passenger numbers rise the most at 61.3%, with many islands including Mykonos, Kos and Rhodes seeing double-digit growth.
The numbers are expected to continue an upward trend in 2014 with many new routes from the UK into the mainland and islands, as well as diving, museum and walking trail openings.
In addition passenger numbers heading to Athens’ Piraeus cruise port were up 11.1% year-on-year in 2013 rising to 2.3 million. The port will add a third terminal this spring to make it easier to handle passengers.
“Double-digit growth in tourist arrivals by both air and sea in 2013 is exceptional news for Greece, considering predictions for further growth this year. It confirms the enduring attraction of Greece for holidaymakers of all kind, right through the year,” said Iossif Parsalis, general manager of MARKETING GREECE on the news.
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