In 2024, the EU recorded 6.7 million commercial flights, a 5.8% rise from 2023 but still below pre-pandemic levels. Athens International Airport led in non-scheduled flights among Europe’s busiest airports, highlighting Greece’s importance in seasonal and charter travel. Amsterdam Schiphol topped the list for overall flights, followed by Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt/Main.
Tag: Greek tourism
Greece saw a rise in tourism in November 2024, with over 1 million arrivals and 2.2 million nights spent, marking year-on-year growth. Non-resident visitors led the increase, while residents accounted for the majority of arrivals. The average stay was 2.2 days, showcasing Greece's appeal as a year-round destination.
Greece shines in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, with Crete ranking among the Top 10 Global Destinations and Athens recognized as a top food destination. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culinary scene, Greece continues to captivate global travelers.
SKY express has launched its first direct flight between Athens and Yerevan, operating three times a week with Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The new route aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Greece and Armenia, providing more opportunities for Greeks to explore Armenia's tourism offerings. The launch was celebrated by Greek Ambassador Christos Sofianopoulos and Armenian officials, with hopes for future route expansions.
The Viking Saturn, carrying 930 passengers, arrived at Piraeus port on Tuesday, marking the first cruise ship of the year. The port of Piraeus continues to see strong growth in the cruise sector, with a record number of passengers in 2024 and even more expected in 2025.
Demand for short-term rentals, particularly Airbnb, is expected to break records in Greece in 2025, with projections showing a strong start to the year. Pre-bookings are up by 10% to 15%, and rental capacity has expanded significantly, with 205,000 accommodations now available. As Greece ranks sixth in Europe for rental demand growth, the country’s tourism market is poised for another banner year.
In 2024, American tourists have emerged as the top spenders in Greece, contributing to a…
Greece's tourism sector shattered records in 2024, welcoming 36 million visitors and generating €22 billion in revenue.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni has predicted a record-breaking year for tourism in 2024, with revenues expected to surpass €20 billion. Highlighting strong performance in key months and innovative new policies, including a globally pioneering hotel classification system based on environmental standards, Kefalogianni emphasized Greece's commitment to sustainable growth in its vital tourism sector.
SKY Express has launched a new direct route between Vienna and Athens, operating four flights a week with the eco-friendly Airbus A320neo. This service caters to the growing demand for travel between Austria and Greece, offering convenient connections and enhancing the travel experience for both leisure and business passengers.
Crete is extending its tourism season this year, with several resorts planning to remain open until the end of November and some even welcoming guests through December. Manolis Tsakalakis, president of the Crete Hoteliers' Association, noted that increased demand from British tour operators, including TUI and Alltours, is driving this change. As a result, popular areas like Rethymno and Heraklion will see a boost in tourist flows, providing economic benefits to the island during the typically quieter months.
Greek tourism is expected to see a 25% growth in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to SETE President Yiannis Paraschis. Speaking at the "Reimagine Tourism in Greece" conference, Paraschis highlighted Greece’s strong recovery, with arrivals up 11% and revenues up 5.5%-6% from January to July 2023. He also addressed challenges like overtourism in popular destinations and called for a focus on value for money and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) forecasts Greece's economy to grow by 2.4% in 2024 and 2.6% in 2025, driven by strong tourism, private consumption, and investment. Greece's unemployment rate hit a 15-year low, and the country continues to maintain a fiscal surplus. While inflation has eased, core inflation remains high. The outlook remains positive as tourism is set to surpass last year's record performance.
Santorini, the breathtaking island on the Aegean Sea, is known for its beauty and whitewashed…
Greece will be the honored country at *Tourism EXPO Japan 2024* in Tokyo, where Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni will focus on strengthening tourism ties with Japan. The event, taking place from September 26 to 29, will feature a photography exhibition, a keynote speech on Nikos Kazantzakis' work, and meetings with Japanese officials, including a visit to the Imperial Palace.
Greek-American television presenter Maria Menounos, alongside her husband Keven Undergaro and their daughter Athena, met with Greek tourism officials in Athens to discuss boosting Greece's presence in the U.S. market. During her visit, Menounos engaged with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Deputy Minister Elena Rapti, and GNTO General Secretary Andreas Fiorentinos. The discussions focused on leveraging the Greek Diaspora to promote Greece's rich history, culture, and modern tourist experiences abroad.
In a digital age where travel experiences are often shared online, American tourists have taken to TikTok to discuss the challenges they faced while visiting Greece. From the intense summer heat and high alcohol taxes to the perceived disorganization, these insights offer valuable feedback for both travelers and local authorities looking to improve the visitor experience.
This year, EU holiday packages have grown by 6.6%, Turkey by 49.5%, and Greece by…
Alpha Bank forecasts a record-breaking year for Greece's tourism sector in 2024, with significant increases in tourist arrivals and revenue compared to 2023. The trend continued in July, particularly at Athens International Airport. Greece also ranks high in social media mentions for its culture and gastronomy. Despite high visitor satisfaction, averaging 9.2 points, there is a noted decline in average tourist spending, likely due to inflation and the rise of the sharing economy.
Greek tourism revenue soared by 12.2% in the first half of 2024, reaching €6.921 billion, according to the Bank of Greece. Driven by a 15.5% increase in inbound tourists, the rise in receipts was led by Germany, the UK, and the US. Notably, June alone saw a 7.7% revenue increase, with British tourists contributing significantly. However, average spending per trip fell, and receipts from Russia experienced a dramatic decline.