by Fanis Zois

 

Chinese market is gradually gaining particular importance to Greek domestic tourism industry, with passenger traffic recording an upward trend from 2014 until today - proving to be particularly resilient even in the midst of a pandemic.

 

Airlines, such as Air China, are increasing or restore the connections between the two countries, aspiring to take a share of the ever-growing interest in our country.

 

As Chinese ambassador Xiao Juncheng in Greece recently announced, a new direct flight connection between Shanghai and Athens will be launched on December 22 by Air China.

 

Direct air flights between Greece and China are operating normally, China's ambassador to Greece, Xiao Juncheng, pointed out, while stressing that the Chinese embassy is willing to maintain close communication with Greek companies and individuals to provide them with all possible assistance.

 

For 2023, there is moderate optimism in Greece, as several companies are going to strengthen their program in the summer period, although several uncertainties remain, such as inflation and energy costs.

 

However, one after another airlines are announcing their flight schedules for spring and summer of 2023, with Athens appearing to be among the destinations that will have a positive sign in terms of the number of flights. What remains unknown is whether these aircraft will carry more travelers and especially Europeans who have to deal with a particularly difficult and expensive winter.

 

Meanwhile, the "limit" of 22 million passengers, compared to 12.3 million passengers last year and 25.6 million passengers in 2019, is expected to be surpassed this year in Athens "Elefterios Venizelos" airport. After a difficult first quarter, from April onwards the Athens airport has seen a decrease compared to 2019.

 

Specifically, in January the decrease in traffic compared to 2019 amounted to -44.5%, in February to -37% and in March to -28.1%.

 

April, when the intensive activation of tourist flows to Greece actually began, closed with -15.1%, May with -10%, June with -6.8%, July with -4.8%, the August with -6.1%, September with -3.9%, October just -0.5% and November almost at -4% compared to 2019.

 

More specifically, in terms of total traffic numbers at the country's largest airport by the end of November, it has exceeded 21 million, with a drop of 11.6% compared to the 11th month of 2019, given that travel restrictions were in place in the first five months of the year.