Visitor Numbers to Greek Museums Down, Revenue Up

The Acropolis Museum © Maria Theofanopoulou

The number of visitors to Greek museums dropped by 5.5 percent in March compared to the same month a year ago with revenue recording a 6.6 percent rise, the Greece statistical service (ELSTAT) said.

According to ELSTAT data, the number of free admission visitors to museums also dropped by 14.8 percent in March against the same month in 2018.

Photo Source: @National Archaeological Museum of Athens

With regard to Greek archaeological sites in March, the ELSTAT report found the number of visitors rising by 0.8 percent compared to the same month in 2018, with free admission figures down by 8.1 percent, and revenue rising by 12.5 percent.

The number of visitors from January to March increased by 1.6 percent at museums but free admission visitors declined by 4.6 percent, with revenue up by 12.4 percent – all compared to the same three-month period a year ago.

Visitor numbers to Greek archaeological sites for the January-March 2019 period increased by 1.9 percent, free admission declined by 0.5 percent while revenue increased by 8.0 percent against the three-month period in 2018.

Athens, Greece. Photo © Y. Skoulas. Source: Visit Greece

It should be noted, that the Greek culture ministry said earlier this month that it would be extending its upgraded e-ticket to an increased number of sites and museums across Greece, aiming to improve the overall tourist experience.

At the same time, aiming to boost revenue, encourage interest and ensure access to all, while at the same time directing funds to new cultural projects, the ministry also introduced this month new rates for admission to archaeological sites and museums as well as discounted rates for certain visitor categories.