Published on
December 29, 2025
Greece’s tourism sector continues to thrive in 2025, with 35.26 million visitors recorded by October, alongside a €22.38 billion surge in inbound travel receipts. This impressive growth highlights the strength of Greece as a travel destination, with a rise in both the volume of tourists and their average spending. With the country’s appeal expanding across key European and non-European markets, Greece remains a strong contender in the global tourism industry.
Growth in Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact
Between January and October 2025, the number of visitors to Greece rose by 4.4 percent from the previous year, up from 33.78 million in 2024. During the same period, Greece saw an 8.9 percent increase in travel receipts, reaching €22.38 billion, underscoring the robust economic performance of the country’s tourism sector. This increase is especially notable as the tourism industry continues to recover and evolve in the post-pandemic era.
The rise in revenue outpaced the increase in visitor numbers, suggesting that average spending per trip also saw an uplift. For the period from January to October, tourists spent an average of €602.2 per trip, up by 3.9 percent compared to the previous year. These figures show a positive shift toward high-value tourism, with visitors not only increasing in numbers but also spending more on accommodations, activities, and experiences across Greece’s diverse destinations.
Impact of Key Source Markets
Greece’s tourism revenue has been significantly bolstered by key source markets, particularly from the EU-27 countries and non-EU markets. Travel receipts from the EU grew by 5.8 percent, amounting to €12.12 billion. Meanwhile, receipts from non-EU markets surged by 12.2 percent, reaching €9.11 billion.
Among the leading countries, Germany remains Greece’s largest source market, contributing €3.61 billion. This is coupled with a 8.3 percent increase in arrivals, with 5.65 million German tourists visiting Greece. The United Kingdom saw a substantial increase, with a 15.1 percent rise in receipts, reaching €3.55 billion, driven by a 6.6 percent rise in arrivals. Meanwhile, Italy and France also contributed positively, with Italy seeing a rise in receipts by 8.1 percent and France increasing spending by 5.3 percent despite a slight dip in arrivals.
October Performance: Extending the Tourism Season
October 2025 played a crucial role in extending Greece’s tourism season, reflecting how visitors are choosing to travel outside the traditional summer peak. For the month, Greece saw a 7.2 percent increase in inbound arrivals, totalling 3.66 million travellers, while travel receipts rose by 8.2 percent, reaching €2.25 billion. This boost in numbers, especially in late autumn, highlights the growing trend of year-round tourism.
Key source markets such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany drove the strong October performance, with receipts from the UK jumping by 42.9 percent, from Italy by 31.7 percent, and from Germany by 9.8 percent. Despite some declines in receipts from France and the United States, overall, the October data supports a longer tourism season, with demand increasing well beyond the summer months.
Regional Growth and Future Projections
The robust performance of Greece’s tourism sector in 2025 is not only seen in traditional hubs like Athens and the Greek Islands but also in lesser-known regions. The continued rise in average spending per visitor is especially encouraging for regions looking to diversify their tourist offerings. This growing demand is helping Greece strengthen its tourism balance, supported by both domestic and international markets.
Looking ahead, industry experts expect Greece’s tourism sector to continue thriving in the coming years, with steady growth in visitor numbers and travel receipts. The country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and year-round appeal are set to attract even more international travellers, making it a prime destination for both short holidays and extended stays.
Greece’s Resilient Tourism Sector Continues to Flourish
Greece’s tourism performance in 2025 has proven its resilience, with 35.26 million visitors and a record €22.38 billion in receipts up to October. The shift toward higher-value tourism, evidenced by increased spending per visitor, signals Greece’s growing appeal to international travellers. With continued growth in both the EU and non-EU markets, Greece is well-positioned to sustain its place as a top European and global tourism destination for years to come.
