Greek Daily News 09/08/2024 - Travel to Greece

ECONOMY

-The total value of imports, in June 2024 amounted to 6,610.3 million euros in comparison with 6,779.6
million euros in June 2023, recording a drop, in euros, of 2.5%. The total value of exports amounted to 4,256.7 million euros in comparison with 4,168.9 million euros in June 2023, recording an increase, in euros, of 2.1%, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed.

-Greek small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the second lowest productivity in the EU a new annual report on SMEs by the European Commission reveals. The added value per SME employee in Greece stood at €22,400 in 2023, ahead of only Bulgaria (€21,600) among the 27 EU member-states. The EU average is €54,500.

SHIPPING

With 41 percent of passenger ferries currently operating along Greece’s coasts expected to be over 40 years old by 2035, their replacement will be one of the greatest challenges for coastal shipping companies, according to study “The Green Journey Has Begun” conducted by XRTC Business Consultants.

TOURISM

Last month Karpathos, the second-largest island in the Dodecanese, welcomed a total of 31,738 visitors, maintaining last year’s levels, data from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) showed. Italians were the largest group of tourists visiting the Greek island, accounting for 23.88% of visitors.

CULTURE

-AnODIC, the Ancient Olynthos Digital Information Center, is now open to the public, the Antiquity Ephorate of Halkidiki and Mount Athos announced. Ancient Olynthos was the most important political centre of Halkidiki in the Classical period. The city was destroyed in 348 B.C. by King Phillip II, the Macedon.

-A programme of events will take place from August 9 to 25 across the country at over fifty archaeological sites and museums. Musical and theatrical performances, star observation, storytelling and guided tours, are organised by the services of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage and by the General Directorate of Restorations, Museums and Technical Projects, many in collaboration with local government and local associations.