Based on provisional data unveiled of the Bank of Greece, the balance of travel services in December 2022 showed a surplus of €71.4 million, down from a surplus of €73.4 million in December 2021. More specifically, in December 2022, travel receipts rose by 32.8% to €247.1 million, up from €186.1 million in December 2021, while travel payments also increased by 55.9% (December 2022: €175.7 million, December 2021: €112.7 million).
The rise in travel receipts was due to a 52.5% increase in inbound traveller flows, as average expenditure per trip declined by 14.2%. Net travel receipts offset 2.4% of the goods deficit and contributed 20.0% of total net services receipts.
In the year 2022, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of €15,696.1 million, up from a surplus of €9,390.2 million in 2021. Travel receipts rose by €7,128.6 million, or 67.9%, to €17,631.3 million, while travel payments also increased by €822.6 million, or 73.9%, to €1,935.1 million.
The rise in travel receipts stemmed from an 89.3% increase in inbound traveller flows, as average expenditure per trip declined by 11.9%. Net travel receipts offset 40.2% of the goods deficit and contributed 80.9% of total net services receipts.