ECONOMY
-An increase of just 1.7% was recorded in the exports of the clothing-textile industry chain in April 2024, data from the Hellenic Fashion Industry Association (SEPEE) reveal. In total the value of exports of the clothing-textile chain stood at 150 million euros in April 2024 compared to 147 million euros in 2023.
-Economic policy should continue on the same path of reforms, efficient use of available domestic and European resources and fiscal responsibility, according to the Bank of Greece Report on Monetary Policy 2023-2024, submitted on Wednesday to the Greek Parliament.
TOURISM
-Greece welcomed 3.9 million travelers in the first four months of this year who spent 1.786 million euros, the Bank of Greece data showed. In the January-April period there was a 22% increase in travel receipts on an annual basis, with analysts attributing the increase to a 2.1% rise in average spending per trip to 442 euros. Top spenders were visitors from Germany, France, Italy, and the US.
-A meeting of representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and foreign embassies was held last week at the ministry to exchange ideas on the most common issues faced by foreign visitors.
-Athens International Airport (AIA) has announced a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest network operating carrier, to enhance connectivity with Sub-Saharan Africa.
-Athens was ranked 11th in Europe and 15th worldwide as a destination for conferences, meetings and events in the annual ranking of conference cities and countries (ICCA Annual Report) for 2023.
-In January-May 2024, hotels in Athens recorded an average occupancy rate of 72.3% compared to 68.9% in 2023. The May 2024 Average Room Rate (ADR) was 178.16 euros (up 15.6% y-o-y).
GENERAL
From Monday at 18:00 to Tuesday at 18:00, a total of fifty-five agricultural and forest fires were reported across Greece . Of these, forty-six were promptly controlled while firefighting efforts continued for the remaining nine fires, AMNA reported.