Greece has posted its strongest tourism performance on record in 2025, welcoming 37.98 million international visitors and generating €23.6 billion in revenues, according to figures from the Bank of Greece (Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος).
Visitor numbers rose by 5.6% compared with 2024 (35.95 million), marking the third consecutive year of growth for the sector. Cruise passengers are not included in the preliminary figures.
Even more striking was the rise in tourism income. Revenues increased by 9.4% year on year, significantly outpacing the growth in arrivals. Minister for Tourism Olga Kefalogianni (Όλγα Κεφαλογιάννη) described 2025 as “the best year ever” and emphasised that revenue growth almost doubled the increase in visitor numbers.
“For the first time, we see revenues growing at a much higher percentage than arrivals. This shows that we are gradually improving in qualitative indicators,” she said, framing the development as a positive step towards more sustainable tourism at a time when overtourism remains a concern in several destinations.
Non-EU markets drive growth
Arrivals from non-EU countries increased by 10%, clearly outpacing the 2.8 per cent growth recorded within the European Union.
Germany remained the largest source market, sending 5.95 million visitors (+10.2 %). The United Kingdom followed with 4.89 million visitors, up 7.6%cent year on year. British travellers were also among the biggest spenders, accounting for €3.74 billion in tourism receipts, an 18.5 per cent increase compared with 2024.
Italy recorded 2.2 million visitors (+8.6%), while France saw a slight decline of 0.5% to 1.98 million travellers.
From the United States, arrivals edged up by 0.2% to 1.55 million visitors. American tourists spent €1.72 billion, representing an 8.5% rise compared with the previous year. Overall, average spending per trip increased by 3.8%, aligning with longer-term economic and responsible tourism targets.
Tourism offsets trade deficit
The travel balance the difference between money spent in Greece by foreign visitors and money spent abroad by Greek residents, reached a surplus of €20.25 billion, up 7.77% compared with 2024. Tourism revenues alone offset nearly 60% of the country’s trade deficit.
Infrastructure under pressure
The strong growth has, however, put pressure on infrastructure. In early January, Athens International Airport was hit by a serious communications failure, forcing hundreds of flights to be diverted. The disruption was attributed to outdated technological systems.
A €300 million modernisation programme has since been launched. In mid-February, the airport also experienced a temporary malfunction of its back-up radar system, further highlighting the need for upgrades.
Optimistic outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, Kefalogianni said early data for 2026 point to another positive year for the sector. “The first data for 2026 create optimistic prospects, as another positive year for the sector is looming,” she said.
Some tourism statistics
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- France welcomed 100 million international visitors in 2024.
- Turkey welcomed 62 million international tourists who together spent $61 billion in 2024.
- SPAIN | 94 million international visitors and €108.7 billion tourism income in 2024.
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Athens 2023
- REVIEW | Antwerp city centre to Brussels Airport (Zaventem) Airport Express shuttle bus service.
- REVIEW | Brussels to Athens with Brussels Airlines Airbus A319, in business class, early morning.
- ATHENS | Monastiraki – Plaka – Syntagma – National Garden – Zappeion – Hadrian’s Gate – Temple of Olympian Zeus – Panathenaic Stadium.
- Ancient Agora of Athens.
- REVIEW | Restaurant Kuzina in Athens.
- REVIEW | Single room at Fresh Hotel Athens.
- The Acropolis of Athens.
- ATHENS | Acropolis Museum.
- REVIEW | Michelin-star restaurant Hytra in Athens.
- REVIEW | Aegean Business Lounge, Athens International Airport, Area B-Intra Schengen.
- REVIEW | Athens to Brussels on Brussels Airlines’ Aerosmurf, business class, in the afternoon.
- GREECE | Athens 2023.
2024 Athens – Mykonos – Istanbul – Kusadasi – Rhodes – Santorini – Athens Cruise on the Norwegian Getaway
- Flying Airbus A320neo with Aegean Airlines from Brussels to Athens return.
- REVIEW | Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel in Piraeus.
- GREECE | A modest exploration of Piraeus.
- NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE | Before you sail, online check-in and Embarkation Day.
- GREECE | Mykonos ft Archaeological Museum, the Windmills and massive crowds.
- NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Balcony Stateroom with included access to the Thermal Spa.
- ISTANBUL | Beylerbeyi Palace – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar.
- NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Activities – sports – entertainment – common areas.
- ISTANBUL | Galataport – Sirkeci Railway Station – Hagia Sophia – Topkapi Park.
- Bars & Lounges on Norwegian Getaway.
- Ephesus.
- Restaurants and food on Norwegian Getaway.
- RHODES | Lindos and its acropolis.
- Rhodes.
- NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Skipping Santorini to make it a Sea Day.
- NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Disembarkation Day.
- Turkey welcomed 62 million international tourists who together spent $61 billion in 2024.
- CRUISE REVIEW | 7 days on NCL’s Norwegian Getaway in the East Mediterranean Sea / Aegean Sea.
- ATHENS | Revival buildings, Changing of the Guards at Syntagma and the Acropolis.
- There’s more than one way to enjoy a cruise.
- NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE | Athens – Mykonos – Istanbul – Kusadasi – Rhodes – Santorini – Athens.
