Santorini and Mykonos, Greece’s iconic island destinations, are seeing a dip in tourist arrivals this season. Santorini reports a 7% drop in ferry bookings and a 19% decline in international flights, driven by early 2025 seismic activity, while Mykonos holds steady with a 2% uptick in June arrivals, buoyed by strong domestic demand. Despite challenges from key markets like the US and Australia, Greek travelers are boosting both islands, though not enough to offset the overall downturn.
Tag: Greek tourism
easyJet is launching new flights from Newcastle to Rhodes and Corfu starting in March and April 2026. Operating twice weekly, these routes will boost Greek tourism and connect travelers to 35 destinations across six European countries.
Greece’s 2025 tourism season reveals a mixed picture, with Crete and Athens thriving while Santorini faces a steep 19.1% drop in arrivals. Despite a 2.7% decline in May visitors, travel receipts surged 17.7% to €2.25 billion, driven by higher spending per trip. June saw a 5.7% rise in air arrivals, but the Cyclades struggled, with Santorini’s downturn raising concerns. As last-minute bookings dominate and economic uncertainties loom, the industry hopes for a strong September to November.
India is emerging as a game-changer for Greek tourism, with its growing economy and affluent travelers showing increasing interest in Greece. Ranking 26th among Indian travel preferences, Greece has climbed 13 spots in a year. Indian tourists, known for high spending, are drawn to luxury, cultural, and gastronomic experiences, with Aegean Airlines set to launch flights to New Delhi and Mumbai in 2026.
Greece has introduced a new business tax targeting legal entities managing multiple Airbnb properties, with…
From July 5 to 9, 2025, ITV broadcasts live from Mykonos as part of a promotional trip by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO). Featured on This Morning and Loose Women, the coverage showcased Mykonos’ natural beauty, gastronomy, and luxury tourism, reaching six million UK viewers.
Greek authorities reassured Israel after a pro-Palestinian protest stranded 1,600 Israeli passengers on a Mano Maritime cruise ship off Syros. The ship, unable to disembark, redirected to Cyprus. Athens promised to shield Israeli tourists from protests, while Israel urged stronger action to ensure safety.
Greece is introducing a new “Cruise Fee” starting July 21, requiring passengers disembarking from recreational cruise vessels to pay a seasonal charge, with higher rates for popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini. The fee aims to boost state revenue from tourism and will be collected electronically by cruise operators and shipping agents.
Attica Group is making Greek island travel more affordable with an array of discounts and benefits across its fleet, including Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines, Hellenic Seaways, and Superfast Ferries. In 2024, over 3.6 million passengers saved €100 million through discounts averaging 45%, with 42% of tickets in discounted categories. From 30% off routes to Heraklion, Chania, and Eastern Aegean islands to 50% discounts for families and students, Attica Group ensures accessible travel while supporting island communities through initiatives like free medical travel and social tourism programs.
This summer, Greece’s iconic islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, are grappling with a surprising decline in short-term rental bookings. Data reveals a 25-30% drop in international arrivals to Santorini, worsened by a recent earthquake, while Mykonos reports falling prices for luxury villas. Other islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu also face a 15-20% dip in demand. Meanwhile, road tourism to Halkidiki is surging, with Central European visitors driving growth. Industry experts cite rising costs as a key factor eroding Greece’s appeal as an affordable destination.
Greece has been named the Best European Destination in The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, earning the top spot for the first time in over two decades. The prestigious honor, decided by 20,000 reader votes, ends Italy’s 25-year reign and highlights Greece’s stunning islands, rich history, and growing appeal among UK travelers.
Greece’s tourism industry has unexpectedly surged to become the country’s top sector for declared overtime…
A new cruise passenger fee, effective July 21, will apply to passengers disembarking at Greek ports, with rates varying by season to encourage off-peak travel. Fees range from €20 in peak season for Mykonos and Santorini to €1 in winter for other ports, paid quarterly by cruise companies via a digital platform.
Goldman Sachs has reportedly pulled out of a high-profile hotel venture in northern Greece, selling three seaside resorts after facing major delays and cost overruns. The \$117 million project, aimed at launching a Mediterranean hotel brand, was quietly abandoned, marking a rare setback for the U.S. investment bank’s push into European hospitality.
Takis Filippopoulos, a key figure in the development of Greek tourism and a pioneer in attracting Scandinavian travelers to the country, has died. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Greece’s tourism history.
Greece and Italy strengthen cultural ties with the return of 145 ancient Greek coins and new joint initiatives, including exhibitions and festivals, celebrating Greco-Roman heritage.
When a British journalist branded Heraklion Airport the “worst in Europe,” Greeks and seasoned travellers fired back with pride, humor, and historical reminders. From jabs about the stolen Parthenon Marbles to fond memories of Cretan landings, the backlash revealed more than just airport frustration — it uncovered a deeper clash of perspectives between cultural resilience and foreign criticism.
Greece is seeing a surge in UK travel interest, with Crete, Rhodes, and Halkidiki leading in searches and bookings. The GNTO tapped top British influencers at a London event to promote authentic, sustainable travel experiences, aiming to boost Greece’s appeal in a competitive market.
The Acropolis Museum continues to captivate nearly 2 million visitors annually, ranking among the world’s top museums with 3,904,768 attendees from 2023 to 2024. Director Nikolaos Stambolidis highlighted its controlled crowds and global appeal, while passionately advocating for the return of the Parthenon Marbles. “This museum is the home of the Acropolis’ treasures,” he said, emphasizing ongoing negotiations and cultural exhibitions like *Parthenon and Byron* that keep Greece’s heritage in the global spotlight.
Greece took the spotlight at a major UK travel influencer event in London, promoting its diverse and sustainable tourism offerings to top British content creators. As the only country officially represented, the Greek National Tourism Organisation showcased the growing appeal of destinations like Crete, Rhodes, and Halkidiki in the UK’s digital travel market.
Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a frequent visitor to Skiathos since 2005, has anchored his 135-meter yacht Al Mirqab between Agnontas and Limnonari beaches in Skopelos, marking his first vacation there in early May.
Greece’s short-term rental sector continues its robust growth in 2025, reaching a significant milestone with…
As Mykonos and Santorini grapple with overtourism, Greece’s Paros Island is stepping into the spotlight. Once a tranquil escape, Paros is now attracting luxury travelers with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and upscale experiences — but rapid growth is raising concerns about sustainability and the island’s future.
Greece is set for a vibrant summer, with Airbnb bookings surging 22% for June, July, and August, according to AirDNA. Leading Europe’s travel boom, Greece joins top markets like Poland (+37%) and Norway (+27%), driven by strong demand and rising revenues. With occupancy rates up 18% and average daily rates at €150, the country’s tourism sector is poised for a robust season, fueled by its timeless appeal and resilient travel trends across the continent.
At the 13th Regional Growth Conference in Patras, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Fang Qiu called for deeper economic ties between China and Greece, highlighting increased agricultural exports and tourism as key areas for collaboration. Emphasizing the success of the Piraeus Port partnership, he urged both nations to act as voices of reason and cooperation in global affairs, while reaffirming China’s openness to trade and investment.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is raising the bar for luxury sea travel by introducing an innovative ‘cultural check-in’ experience in Greece, marking its debut in the country with the introduction of its newest yacht, Luminara.
Mykonos Airbnb hosts are slashing prices, with firms like LuxuryLiving cutting villa rates by 15%, as summer 2025 bookings lag. A 1.6% drop in arrivals, rising costs, and competition from Turkey and Croatia threaten the island’s tourism, compounded by price gouging controversies.
Greece won “Best Historical Attractions, International” for the fourth year and Santorini claimed “Best Island in Europe” for the 12th at the 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards, hosted by Global Traveler. The awards, voted by affluent readers, highlight Greece’s enduring allure for American tourists.
The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), in collaboration with the Mayor of Santorini, has launched a targeted promotional campaign to boost Santorini’s international profile ahead of the summer season. Journalists from leading German and Romanian media visited the island to explore its cultural heritage, hiking routes, wine tradition, and unique local products, with special features expected to be published in May 2025.
Greece’s tourism sector is set for another stellar year in 2025, with 28.2 million international flight seats scheduled for the summer season, a 4.6% rise from 2024. The UK, Germany, and Italy lead as top markets, while the U.S. and Israel show significant growth. Emerging regions like Saudi Arabia and Georgia also boost demand, though challenges like U.S. tariffs may impact spending, says Yiannis Hatzis, President of the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers.
