Greece Welcomed 40.7 Million Tourists in 2024, Tourism Revenues Reached €21.6 Billion

Greece experienced a record year for tourism in 2024, welcoming approximately 40.7 million international visitors, according to final data released Thursday by the Bank of Greece (BoG).

The figure marked a 12.8% increase compared to 2023, underscoring the country’s continued strength as a top global destination.

Tourism revenues also reached new heights, totaling €21.6 billion—an increase of 4.8% over the previous year. The region of Attica attracted the highest number of visitors, while the South Aegean led in total tourism receipts and overnight stays.

Non-resident overnight stays rose to 240.8 million in 2024, up 1.9% from 236.2 million in 2023. This growth was driven primarily by travelers from the European Union, with overnight stays from EU27 residents rising by 4.9%. In contrast, overnight stays by non-EU visitors declined by 3.9%.

Revenues from EU27 residents increased by 7.1% year-on-year to €11.97 billion, accounting for 55.4% of total receipts. Receipts from non-EU countries edged up slightly by 0.6% to €8.7 billion. Meanwhile, cruise tourism posted a strong performance, with revenues jumping 22.4% to €1.11 billion.

Among EU markets, receipts from euro area countries rose by 4.5% to €9.5 billion, while receipts from non-euro area EU countries surged 18.4% to €2.5 billion.

Germany remained the top source market in terms of revenue, contributing €3.7 billion—a 3.7% increase. Italy also saw a double-digit rise in spending, with receipts climbing 13.6% to €1.25 billion. In contrast, receipts from France fell 11.6% to €1.25 billion.

Outside the EU, the United States emerged as a significant growth market, with American tourist spending rising 15.3% to €1.6 billion. However, revenue from the United Kingdom declined by 4.1% to €3.15 billion. Russian tourism saw the sharpest drop, with receipts plummeting 51.5% to just €15.7 million.

The 2024 figures highlighted the resilience and strategic importance of Greece’s tourism sector, which continues to play a vital role in the national economy.