Tourist arrivals in Greece are expected to rise by about 8.0 percent in 2006, with the same increase seen for 2007, the Institute of Tourism Research and Forecasts said in a report released on Tuesday.

 

The calculation for 2006 was based on arrivals for September, the institute said in the report entitled Greek Economy and Tourism.

 

Revenue from tourism in 2006 is forecast to rise by 10 percent to 11 percent.

 

In 2005, the rate of increase of arrivals was 5.6 percent.

 

"Without exaggeration, 2005 may be characterized as the starting point for a new and profitable course for tourism and overall economic growth," the institute noted.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2006)