ECONOMY
Food prices in Greece have been growing at twice the rate of the average income since 2021, Kathimerini reported. From 2021 to end-2023 the average salary in the country grew by 12% (from 1,117 euros in 2021 to €1,251 in 2023). In the period under review, the food price index increased 25% from 102 points to 127.9 points, data from the Eurostat Price Observatory showed.
SHIPPING
-The total passenger traffic in Greek ports in the 4th quarter 2023 recorded an increase of 11.1%
compared with the 4th quarter 2022 while the total movements of goods in Greek ports decreased by 1.1%. During the period under review, the total traffic of mobile units in Greek ports increased by 6.8%, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed.
-Cruise companies seem to be “on board” with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ decision to restrict ships’ arrival to popular Greek islands come next season, in an effort to combat over-tourism, To Vima reported. However, they raise objection to the potential implementation of a “tourist tax.”
CULTURE
The Greek Culture Ministry and the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens have joined forces to enhance the promotion of Cycladic culture internationally. The Museum of Cycladic Art houses one of the most important and complete collections of Cycladic art in the world. The most attractive creation of this culture are their marble sculptures, and it is not surprising that the clear and abstract forms of these ancient marble figurines influenced 20th and 21st century artists such as Brancusi, Modigliani, Giacometti, Hepworth, Moore, and Ai Weiwei.
TOURISM
-Greece entered the Top 10 most visited destinations in the world, according to data released this month by UNTourism. The country welcomed 32.7 million tourists in 2023 who generated 20.6 billion euros marking a 16.5 percent year-on-year increase over 2022.
-Greece urgently needs to invest in critical infrastructure in order to be able to meet the increasing tourist demand in the coming years,Eurobank CEO Fokion Karavias told the 32nd General Assembly of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) held in Athens last week.