India is set to become a major force in Greek tourism, fueled by its booming economy and increasing interest from Indian travelers in exploring Greece.
According to the latest data from the Institute of the Greek Tourism Enterprises Association (INSETE), over the next 12 months, 41.2% of Indians plan 1-2 international trips with overnight stays, while 16.5% aim for 3-4 such trips. Greece has surged to the 26th most preferred destination for Indian travelers, climbing 13 positions in just one year compared to 2024 figures. Indians are also more inclined to spend generously on their holidays compared to tourists from the USA, Canada, and Australia. Among competing Mediterranean destinations (Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia), France remains their top pick for an immediate trip.
Why Indian Travelers Will Transform Greek Tourism
Indian tourists, known as high spenders with affluent profiles, are prepared to spend over 4,800 rupees (approximately €50) per night, favoring trips of 5-7 days. The World Tourism Organization notes they spend four times more than the average Japanese or Chinese tourist, 140% more than British tourists, and 71% more than American tourists.
Nature and City Breaks: Key Draws for Indian Travelers
Indian visitors are drawn to cultural experiences, sightseeing, beach and coastal resorts for relaxation, city breaks for shopping and urban exploration, and natural landscapes for activities like hiking. In Greece, they are particularly attracted to luxury tourism, gastronomic experiences, cultural and sightseeing tours, conference tourism, wedding tourism, and cinematic tourism. Hotels are their top accommodation choice, followed by staying with friends or relatives and renting holiday homes.
Air Travel Preference and Aegean’s Strategic Move
A striking 90.6% of Indians prioritize comfortable, luxurious travel for both business and leisure, overwhelmingly choosing air travel. AEGEAN recently announced its expansion into the Indian market, with flights to New Delhi and Mumbai set to launch in spring 2026. This aligns with forecasts of India’s growing economic strength and the rise of Indian travelers as a premium tourist segment for Greece. Recent collaborations between Greece and India in trade, business, and culture further bolster this promising trend.
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