Heraklion accommodation revenue jumps 12.2% as dining turnover falls, ELSTAT data show
Turnover at accommodation businesses in Heraklion rose 12.2% in the second quarter of 2026, even as revenue at restaurants and cafés in the regional unit fell 3.1%, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
The figures, part of ELSTAT’s second-quarter 2026 report on business turnover based on administrative data, show a divided picture across Crete’s four regional units, with western Crete outperforming the east on food-service revenue.
Western Crete sees gains across both sectors
In Chania, accommodation turnover increased 6.8%, from €156.6 million to €167.2 million, while food service revenue there rose 4%, to €86.1 million, according to ELSTAT. The rise in international air arrivals to Chania reported earlier this year lines up with the stronger performance recorded there.
Rethymno posted a similar pattern, with accommodation turnover up 5.6% and food service turnover up 3.5%, ELSTAT figures show.
Heraklion and Lasithi diverge between lodging and dining
Eastern Crete told a different story. Despite the 12.2% jump in accommodation turnover in Heraklion, food service revenue there dropped 3.1%. In Lasithi, accommodation turnover rose 4.7%, but food service turnover fell 3.4% over the same period, according to ELSTAT.
The divergence in Heraklion follows other recent ELSTAT-based tourism figures for the regional unit, including a report on falling visitor numbers at Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum even as Phaistos recorded gains.
National retail turnover up 2.8%
ELSTAT’s report also covers the broader retail trade sector nationally. Total turnover for retail trade businesses in the second quarter of 2026 reached €20,168,125 thousand, up 2.8% from €19,616,474 thousand in the second quarter of 2025.
Excluding the vehicle, food and fuel sectors, retail trade turnover stood at €7,203,563 thousand in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 1.2% compared with €7,121,488 thousand in the same period of 2025, ELSTAT said.
