Greece’s tourism sector kicked off 2025 with a bang, as the Bank of Greece reported over 821,000 visitors in January alone, driving a 30% spike in travel spending to €214.7 million. German tourists arrived in droves, while big-spending Americans led the charge with €40.9 million, setting the stage for a record-breaking year.
Tag: Greek tourism
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Santorini Hoteliers Association President Antonis Pagonis have united to assure the world that Santorini is safe, open, and ready for the 2025 season. Addressing international media in London, Kefalogianni highlighted the island’s resilience and Greece’s sustainable tourism strategy, while Pagonis debunked damaging fake news, urging travelers to trust reliable sources. From AI-enhanced apps to eco-friendly hotel ratings, Santorini is poised to welcome visitors with open arms.
Grecotel was honored with two prestigious awards at the TTG Luxury Awards 2025, including “Luxury Hotel Company of the Year” and “Luxury Trade Support Team of the Year,” recognizing its commitment to authentic Greek hospitality. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Grecotel continues to expand its global presence with new investments and a unique portfolio of luxury properties across Greece, further solidifying its position in the luxury hospitality sector.
When Amazon Prime Video announced House of David, a sweeping biblical epic chronicling the life…
Twenty-five Greek hotels have earned a spot on TUI’s list of the top 100 hotels…
Australia and the USA are leading long-distance markets for Greek tourism, with Greece ranking highly in traveler preferences, especially compared to competing Mediterranean destinations. Meanwhile, China and India show lower interest, favoring closer travel options.
Greek tourism is poised for a record-breaking year in 2025, driven by increased engagement with the US market. With the introduction of new direct flights and higher spending per stay from American visitors, the industry anticipates significant growth, despite uncertainties surrounding Santorini.
Following a recent earthquake in Santorini, tourism bodies are monitoring the situation closely, stating it is too early to assess the impact on the upcoming summer season. Despite concerns, the president of the Hoteliers’ Association reported no cancellations or tourist losses so far. Santorini airport saw a 3.7% increase in total passenger traffic in 2024, indicating a positive trend. Domestic airlines have added special flights to accommodate residents and visitors, with no significant fare increases reported amidst the seismic activity.
Greece is closely watching potential U.S. tariffs on the European Union, fearing secondary economic impacts, particularly on tourism. While Greek exports to the U.S. are relatively small, officials worry that a trade war could reduce European consumer spending and harm Greece’s vital tourism sector. With rising competition for Greek goods, the government is focusing on boosting investment and exploring new markets.
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.
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.