Foreign tourist arrivals at AIA record considerable increase

13:36 5/9/2013 - Πηγή: Matrix24

However, the total number of air passengers using AIA dropped 1.3 pct compared with the same period in 2012 due a decline in the number of Greek passengers as a result of the economic crisis.

According to AIA, foreign passengers reached 1.7 million (an increase of 6.5 pct

compared with last year). In addition, the number of foreign passengers who chose Athens as their main destination increased 11.6 pct.

The most impressive increase was recorded in the tourist arrivals from the United Arab Emirates (69 pct) and from non-EU countries (22 pct) with the Swiss recording an increase of 41 pct and the Turks 27 pct.

Markets, such as, Russia and Ukraine continue to show an upward trend. The number of tourists from Belgium, Holland and Sweden recorded a double digit increase despite a marginal 2 pct decline in EU arrivals.

A notable recovery is recorded in transatlantic markets, Australia (19 pct), Canada (45 pct), United States (9 pct).

Also, all international flights were up to 83 pct booked throughout the summer season of May-August 2013.

source: ΑΜΝΑ