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: Tourism Revenue
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.
Concerns are growing in Santorini regarding the impact of recent earthquakes on tourism. Travel agencies in Thessaloniki have reported initial trip cancellations, primarily affecting the current period rather than the summer season. The cruise ship “Viking Star” has canceled its stop in Santorini scheduled for February 10th, opting for Chania instead. The uncertainty may affect upcoming cruises in March, as decisions will depend on how the situation evolves. The island’s tourism sector is significant for Greece’s economy, with substantial revenue and numerous businesses involved.
Greece’s tourism sector shattered records in 2024, welcoming 36 million visitors and generating €22 billion in revenue.
A two-day event in Mytilini, Lesvos, focused on strengthening Greek-Turkish relations and honoured Turkish businessman Rahmi Koç for his contributions to cultural and commercial ties. North Aegean Governor Konstantinos Moutzouris praised Koç’s efforts as discussions centred on boosting tourism and trade, with projections of 500,000 Turkish tourists visiting the region in 2024, generating €200 million in revenue. Local officials also agreed to expand cultural exchanges and joint initiatives.
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.
A government delegation visited Zakynthos to announce major development projects worth €370 million, including infrastructure improvements and the transfer of management for the island’s iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) to the local municipality. The plan aims to boost tourism, enhance public services, and address key issues such as waste management and healthcare. Restoration work on the Shipwreck site is set to begin early next year, with most revenues from the tourist attraction going back to the municipality.
Greece has experienced a surge in international tourism this year, with arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Between January and August 2024, the country welcomed over 27.7 million visitors, a nearly 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
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.
The revenues from Greek tourism have already exceeded €18 billion this year, Tourism Minister Vassilis…
Greece’s tourism revenue fell just short of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of…