OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2010
The tourism sector, a vital driver of job-creation and growth, is under pressure. Facing an increasingly competitive landscape, tourism in many OECD countries has started to lag, in both growth rate and productivity. This book defines the major trends and challenges facing tourism in the next decade – from globalisation to environmental issues. To address these challenges, the book then provides specific policy guidance and recommendations for making tourism more competitive and environmentally sustainable. Tourism data from 42 countries are presented and analysed including all OECD countries, and fast-growing tourism centres such as Brazil, Chile, China and India.
Greece
According to recent assessments the contribution of tourism (direct and indirect impact) to the Greek economy represents 18% of GDP. The “hotels and restaurants” sector represents half of tourism activities and directly contributes 6.6% to GDP (2007). In 2008, the average tourist expenditure per capita was EUR 730, while in 2007 it was EUR 700. Moreover, the tourism sector creates approximately 700 000 jobs and also plays a decisive role in the development of the regions.