Greece Named the Most Hospitable Country in the World

Greece has been crowned the most hospitable country in the world, according to a survey conducted by the popular travel platform Travelbook, as reported by the German newspaper Merkur. New Zealand and Sri Lanka followed in second and third place respectively.

Respondents praised the warmth and friendliness of the Greek people, their readiness to help, and the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the charming villages of Crete and the tavernas of the Cyclades to the lively streets of Athens, visitors consistently feel at home.

The report highlights that the Greek notion of “philoxenia”—literally meaning “friendship toward strangers”—remains deeply embedded in Greek culture. It reflects a spirit of generosity, warmth, and respect toward guests, regardless of where they come from.

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Greece Accelerates Debt Reduction

Meanwhile, German economic daily Handelsblatt reports that Greece is making significant progress in reducing its public debt, aiming to shed the label of the most indebted nation in the European Union. By 2027, this title is projected to pass to Italy.

According to Handelsblatt, Greece will hit two key milestones this year:

• The national debt-to-GDP ratio will fall below pre-crisis levels.
• For the first time since the financial crisis, public debt will decline not just in proportion to the economy, but also in absolute terms.

These improvements are outlined in the 2026 budget plan presented by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

Early repayments have played a crucial role in this rapid progress. In 2022, Greece repaid €21.7 billion in loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)—two years ahead of schedule. Later this year, the Finance Ministry plans to repay an additional €5.29 billion, covering installments originally due between 2031 and 2040. The remaining €26.3 billion is expected to be cleared by 2031, a full decade earlier than previously projected.