Greek Daily News 24/07/2024

ECONOMY

-In January-May 2024, the deficit of the current account balance stood at 9.7 billion euros, widening in relation to the same period a year ago. The external deficit corresponds almost to 5% of GDP.

-In March 2024, the e-commerce market recorded its worst performance according to a survey by the Hellenic Electronic Commerce Association (GR.EC.A) which concerned the performance of fashion items, technological products, pharmaceutical items, home items, athleisure and cosmetics. In 2023, Greek consumers spent approximately 35 billion euro on online purchases, Nexi’s Ecommerce Survey reveals.

-The Competition Commission announced the launch of two investigations into cereal prices and bank interest rates deposits.

-According to the data released by the Bank of Greece, in May 21.3% more tourists visited the country than in the same month in 2023, but the average spending per trip decreased by 12.2%. Despite this, an increase of 6.8% was recorded in travel receipts, totaling 1.935 billion euros, compared to 1.811 billion euros in May 2023.

BUSINESS

ICAP CRIF, the leading Group of Companies in the market of Credit Risk and Business Information Solutions in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, announced the acquisition of Company Data SRL – a successful Romanian company, active in the field of Business Information.

SPORTS

Entrance to the stadiums will be allowed exclusively with the digital ticket through the Gov.gr Wallet as of Wednesday, July 24, while from September 16, 2024, the same procedure will be followed by the fans of the Basket League, AMNA reported.

TOURISM

-Research by the British Post Office Travel Money in partnership with TUI has revealed that the Greek islands of Kos, Rhodes, and Corfu are among the top 10 best value for money travel destinations for family holidays for holidaymakers from the UK this summer.

-In a post on social media Santorini’s mayor Panos Kavalaris, called on residents of the Cycladic island to “limit their movements” in order to make space for tourists amid the impending arrival of 17,000 cruise ship visitors. The controversial post sparked outrage and comes amid growing concerns about the impact of of mass tourism.

-Milos, the most southwesterly island in the Cyclades, claimed the top spot as the most favorite European island, according to readers who voted in Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024. Islands were specifically rated on the following criteria: Natural attractions/beaches, Activities/sights, Restaurants/food, People/friendliness, Value.